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 30 August 2008 04:46 BST

Molecule structure 'may hold key to pain relief'

Thursday, 12 Jul 2007 08:23
Chronic pain has no apparent purpose

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Scientists believe they may have identified the parts of a molecule which regulate pain in humans.

A study appearing in today's edition of the Nature journal by researchers from the University of Manchester says chronic pain, which is usually dealt with through pain management medication, could be tackled more effectively now the structure of the P2X molecule is known.

The scientists compared a primitive P2X molecule in a microscopic amoeboid organism known as a slime mould with the human version of the molecule, establishing that only ten per cent was common between the two.

Using evolutionary theory, they deduced that these similar parts contained the parts of the molecule which regulate pain in humans.

"It's a big step forward in understanding how the molecule works and should make it possible to develop drugs that block the receptors' actions," Dr Chris Thompson, one of the researchers, commented.

"Inhibiting P2X as a potential pain-relief therapy would be the holy grail of rational drug design and could revolutionise the way we manage chronic pain conditions like back pain and migraine."

Chronic pain has no physiological benefits, unlike acute pain experienced during trauma.End of story


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