New discovery in fight against pain
The researchers studying genetically engineered mice lacking the protein called DREAM (downstream regulatory element antagonistic modulator), found the mice had less sensitivity to pain compared to those with the DREAM protein. The genetically altered mice also showed no changes in other normal functions, and no indications of addiction to pain control chemicals produced by their bodies.
While there are many types of pain, disabling the DREAM protein appears to reduce them all.
This gave rise to new thinking about pain and pain management, and clinically, it offers the hope of getting away from the side effects of currently used aspirin like drugs and morphine.
DREAM makes a protein that suppresses the production of dynorphin (a feel good endorphin). Dynorphin is produced in response to pain or anxiety. In the absence of the gene, the researchers found more production of dynorphin, and therefore less pain.
Of course pain is vital to survival, allowing us to protect ourselves from injury. Without DREAM people would be desensitized to pain.
Dr Josef Penninger, co-author of the study said: “if scientists could find a way of disabling the protein, it may lead to a new and perhaps more effective method of pain control. However, finding such a treatment could be challenging because the protein works deep inside individual cells, making it less accessible to drugs”.
Researchers must also better understand the consequences of blocking the DREAM function before it can be used to treat chronic pain, Dr Penninger added.
