Genetic mutation prevents 75-year-old woman from feeling pain, fear or anxiety

Due to a genetic mutation, a 75-year-old Scottish woman does not face something that many would not like: she feels almost no pain, anxiety or fear. According to the “Independent”, scientists discovered that Jo Cameron has a rare condition in the FAAH-OUT gene, which works at the molecular level, allowing her to have no painful experiences.

It is also believed that the same biological mechanisms allow your wounds to heal faster. According to specialists, the discoveries, published in the magazine “Brain”, open doors for the research of new drugs in relation to the treatment of pain and wound healing.

“By understanding precisely what is happening at a molecular level, we can begin to understand the biology involved and this opens up possibilities for drug discovery that could one day have far-reaching positive impacts for patients,” said Professor James Cox, from the UCL Medicine, senior author of the study.

how it started

Jo Cameron’s case became known in the international press in 2019 when UCL scientists announced that mutations in the previously unknown FAAH-OUT gene did not make her feel pain, stress or fear.

She discovered the condition when she was 65 when seeking treatment for a hip problem, which turned out to involve severe joint degeneration, although she was in no pain. Months later, Jo had surgery on her hand and also reported no pain afterwards, although the treatment is normally very painful.

The researchers then discovered that the FAAH-OUT mutation “turns off” the expression of the FAAH gene, which is associated with pain, mood and memory. In the case of the Scotch, the levels of enzyme activity in the FAAH gene were significantly reduced.

Alterations were also found in two other genes, BDNF and ACKR3, which scientists believe may contribute to Jo’s low anxiety, fear and lack of pain.

“The FAAH-OUT gene is just a small corner of a vast continent that this study has begun to map. As scientists, it is our duty to explore and I think these findings will have important implications for research areas such as wound healing, depression and much more.”