Genetic switch discovered that turns on pain


(PhysOrg.com) -- Aberdeen scientists have discovered a 'switch' that turns on a gene that lets us feel pain, in a finding that could be a step towards the development of new painkilling drugs.

The University of Aberdeen researchers also found that capsaicin — the compound in chillies that gives them their kick — can also turn the switch on.

The findings published just today in the journal Neuro-signals increase our understanding of the genetic mechanisms behind pain, which is essential for the development of new therapies.

The researchers studied the mechanics of the pain gene known as substance-P - first shown to be involved in chronic inflammatory pain more than 30 years ago.