The Mystery of the Woman Who Doesn't Feel Pain: A Genetic Explanation
Jo Cameron, a woman who doesn't feel pain due to rare mutations, has been studied by geneticists to understand the molecular basis of her condition. The study found that her mutations lie on the FAAH and FAAH-OUT genes, which affect the expression of 797 genes that are upregulated and 348 that are downregulated. The increased activity of the WNT16 gene, known to be associated with bone regeneration, appears to be key to Cameron's wound-healing powers. The study could lead to drugs that can speed up regeneration or suppress pain or fear when necessary.