Carrying a rare gene, the woman does not know pain

SCOTLAND Jo Cameron, 74, has suffered fractures, osteoarthritis, car accidents and burns, but has never felt pain or fear.

In 2013, Cameron was diagnosed with congenital analgesia. Since then, she has continuously surprised doctors with her incredibly high pain threshold.

After 6 years of testing, doctors discovered mutations in the gene Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH), which plays a role in pain, mood and memory in the central nervous system; and another gene they named "FAAH-OUT.".

This gene is considered a "junk" gene - regions of genes that do not code, do not make proteins. However, experts have found it has a more important function than previously understood.

Cameron is one of only two people in the world to carry this gene.

"I was aware that I was a happy person, but didn't realize the difference. I didn't know my body had a problem until I was 65," she shared, June 3.

The cause of her seemingly superhuman features are genes that combine genetic mutations. Experts continue to study mutations that make Cameron less pain, anxiety and fear.

The new study, published in the journal Brain , focuses on how the FAAH-OUT gene works at the molecular level, its expression, and its impact on molecular pathways for wound healing and pain reduction. and promote good mood.

The study concluded that the FAAH-OUT gene regulates the expression of the FAAH gene. As the mutation decreases, the protein level also decreases. This means that the FAAH-OUT gene mutation turns off the FAAH gene's ability to sense pain. The researchers also identified an additional 797 genes that were turned on and 348 genes that were turned off. Thus, the brain signaling pathways involved in wound healing are altered.

"The FAAH-OUT gene is just one small corner of the gene map that the study identified. It's a small factor in why Cameron doesn't feel pain. New research has identified pathways that affect pain." wound healing and mood, all of which are related to the FAAH-OUT mutation," said study author Dr Andrei Okorokov.

Jo Cameron, 74, has a genetic mutation that prevents her from feeling pain. Photo: NY Post

Experts hope this finding will pave the way for new pain relievers. According to Dr. James Cox, study co-author, the initial discovery of the genetic origin of Cameron's genes was "a wonderful and extremely exciting moment".

"By understanding exactly what is happening at the molecular level, we can begin to learn about the biological mechanisms involved. This opens up the possibility of discovering drugs that work for patients." he explained.

Cameron's extremely rare genes influence her perception of life, physical and emotional.

"My father was the same, he was a cheerful person who never seemed to be stressed about anything," she said.

Cameron used to feel shocked by his condition. She also read several articles about parents of children with similar conditions. Many people live in fear because they feel no pain, assuming that their children won't learn to avoid hurting themselves.

However, Cameron credits her genetic predisposition to her work. After many years as a primary school teacher, she was trained to work with people with severe mental disabilities. She said the patient's aggressive and erratic behavior never affected her psyche.