'Key' to disabling pain transmission

New research has demonstrated how an edema toxin selectively targets and deactivates pain-transmitting neurons in the dorsal dorsal ganglion of the spinal cord.

Preclinical research led by scientists from Harvard Medical School (USA) found that some elements in the toxin produced by anthrax bacteria can disable the activity of cells. brain neurons that transmit pain signals. The study suggests, this could be a new paradigm for pain-relieving therapies in the future.

Certain proteins have the ability to act on nerve cells in the brain and block the sensation of pain.

Anthrax toxin consists of several molecules secreted by anthrax bacteria. Each protein is non-toxic by itself, but when combined, they can be deadly. The new study aims to understand how these toxins affect nerve cells in the brain.

There are two types of anthrax toxin: edematous and lethal. Both toxins share an important protein, called PA (protective antigen). PA helps to transport edema factor (EF) protein or death factor (LF) protein into cells.

New research has demonstrated how an edema toxin selectively targets and deactivates pain-transmitting neurons in the dorsal dorsal ganglion of the spinal cord.

The researchers injected the spines of mice with these two proteins. These proteins were found to be able to effectively act on certain nerve cells in the brain and block the sensation of pain.

Isaac Chiu - one of the study authors - said: 'This molecular platform uses bacterial toxins to deliver substances into nerve cells. At the same time, adjust their function. This is a new way to target pain mediators."

According to study co-author Nicole Yang, in the future, people can think of many different types of proteins to deliver targeted treatments.

However, the scientists say more research will be needed before this potential new therapy can be put to use. The researchers are confident that delivering the swelling poison to the brain through the spine will avoid potential toxicity problems in the rest of the body.

To date, early indications are that the toxin's action on the brain is targeted. At the same time, there has been no indication in animal tests of disruption to other mechanisms such as motor function.

The researchers hypothesized that this specificity in brain toxin action could be an evolutionary adaptation. This helps the anthrax bacteria to avoid detection in the organisms it infects.