The key ‘FAAH-OUT’ gene

JO Cameron is the first known case of someone with mutations in both the FAAH gene, which picks up pain signals from injury, and a newly-discovered sister gene called FAAH-OUT.

FAAH-OUT – previously thought to be ‘junk’ DNA – is now believed by experts to help switch on the FAAH gene.

When it is partially deleted, as in Mrs Cameron’s case, that does not happen and pain signals are not picked up. It gives the pensioner double protection from pain – so she feels less than those people with just the one mutation in the FAAH gene, which is more common.

It also raises hopes of a drug that might help with pain by blocking both genes. Clinical trials of a drug blocking the FAAH gene alone have not worked. The side-effect is that mutations in the genes, which control the brain and spinal nerve, also cause forgetfulness, which Mrs Cameron has suffered throughout her life.

She confesses that she often loses her keys and struggles with words. But the mutations also give her almost double the normal level of soothing natural chemical anandamide.

The 71-year-old says that keeps her on a permanent ‘high’ and extremely cheerful. The mutations also cause wounds to heal more quickly, and people to forget pain fast, which could lead to a drug treatment for post traumatic stress disorder.

Mrs Cameron’s son has the deletion in the FAAH-OUT gene but not the mutation in FAAH. However, experts believe others have both her genetic quirks, with one example found in Colombia. They have appealed for any others to come forward.