Researchers have discovered a novel approach to managing the receptors that influence our sense of touch, which could enhance the treatment of chronic pain. Utilizing phosphatidic acid as a touch sensitivity regulator may improve pain management.
Researchers at Rutgers have developed a new method to control the receptors responsible for our sense of touch, potentially leading to better treatment options for chronic pain.
“The discovery of a natural molecule that specifically lowers pain sensitivity opens up new possibilities for therapeutic approaches to pain management,” stated Tibor Rohacs, a professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, and also a member of the Rutgers Brain Health Institute. “We aim to translate these discoveries into effective therapies that enhance the quality of life for those dealing with chronic pain.”
The research was conducted by Matthew Gabrielle, a PhD student in Tibor Rohacs’s lab at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights a natural substance called phosphatidic acid that can diminish the activity of specific ion channels that detect touch in the body.
When researchers increased the levels of phosphatidic acid in certain cells, they observed a decreased sensitivity to touch. This was validated through experiments with sensory neurons and tests in mice, which exhibited heightened sensitivity to touch when phosphatidic acid production was blocked.
“This discovery contributes to a growing body of evidence indicating that lipids play a crucial role in regulating somatosensation,” Gabrielle commented, referring to our body’s ability to experience sensations such as touch, temperature, and pain. “By focusing on the natural pathways that control these channels, we can create more precise and effective pain management options, particularly for conditions characterized by inflammatory pain, where current treatments often fall short.”
