No-pain gene discovered

Genetic culprit for inability to perceive pain could lead to new treatments for chronic pain

pain path

HOW IT HURTS  Rare mutations in the gene PRDM12 prevent proper development of pain-sensing fibers that carry pain signals from the skin to the brain, rendering people impervious to pain, a new study suggests. 

E. Otwell

Mutations in a previously unscrutinized gene can leave people dangerously indifferent to harm, researchers report May 25 in Nature Genetics.