• UGI USER
  • Jan 22, 2024
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UNDERSTANDING PAIN: INSIGHTS FROM NOBEL LAUREATE

Why in the News?

  • David Julius, 2021 Nobel Prize recipient, addressed pain perception at TNQ Distinguished Lectures.
  • Opioids and Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are current painkillers, remaining crucial, but understanding new pathways is in progress.
Source: Gold Coast

About Scientific Discovery – TRPV1:

  • Julius shared his scientific journey, unveiling Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 (TRPV1), a pain receptor activated by capsaicin (chilli compound).
  • Julius highlighted the role of spicy foods in regulating body temperature, with cultural variations in heat tolerance.
  • Prior to TRPV1 discovery, capsaicin’s role in causing pain was known, but the mechanism remained a mystery.
  • TRPV1 is a heat-sensing receptor activated at temperatures perceived as “painful.”

Why Pain Research is Important?

Understanding pain management is crucial; the system acts as a warning against tissue damage but can become hyper-sensitive.

About Receptors

Receptors are specialized proteins or structures on cell surfaces that detect and respond to specific stimuli, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, or environmental signals. They play a crucial role in transmitting information into cells, influencing cellular activities, and maintaining physiological balance.