The Medical Research Council funded the study. Science Translational Medicine published the study.
Here are five observations:
1. The researchers discovered protein FKBP51 also drives chronic pain.
2. Mice without protein FKBP51 demonstrated decreased chronic pain from nerve damage and arthritic joints.
3. The study tested an FKBP51-blocking compound, SAFit2, which is designed to reduce anxiety. The researchers examined the effects of blocking FKBP51 in the spinal cord.
4. The researchers also discovered injuries can cause epigenetic changes in the spinal cord sensory circuits, which increases FKBP51 production.
5. The researchers conclude targeting FKBP51 with drugs could reduce chronic pain in mice, and believe a similar outcome could be achieved for humans.
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