HCN2 Gene Gives Hope to Treat Chronic Pain

Researchers has identified a gene responsible for chronic back pain.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge has identified a gene responsible for chronic back pain. The study will help to find a key to the development of drugs to combat the problem.

In the study, the scientists engineered the removal of the HCN2 gene from pain-sensitive nerves in mice and were able to abolish neuropathic pain.

The scientists then carried out studies using electrical stimuli on these nerves in cell cultures to determine how their properties were altered by the removal of HCN2. They found that they were able to delete the gene without affecting acute pain, which occurs suddenly, for example when biting one's tongue.

Lead author Professor Peter McNaughton said, "