00:00Researchers in Texas have identified a potential new target for treating chronic nerve pain.
00:05Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that a protein called BRAF may play a key role in pain signaling.
00:12BRAF is better known for its connection to certain cancers, but researchers found it also affects damaged nerves.
00:19After nerve injury, BRAF can travel from sensory nerve cells toward the spinal cord.
00:23There, it appears to increase the activity of NMDA receptors, strengthening signals linked to pain.
00:30Researchers then tested two existing cancer drugs that block this signaling pathway.
00:35The drugs vamorafenib and selamatinib reduced sensitivity to touch, pressure, and heat in preclinical models.
00:43Genetic experiments provided more evidence, showing that removing the BRF gene reduced persistent pain sensitivity.
00:49Activating BRAF, meanwhile, triggered pain sensitivity, even without nerve damage.
00:55The findings suggest existing cancer treatments could potentially be repurposed for neuropathic pain.
01:00But the research is still preclinical, and human trials have not yet been conducted.
01:05Researchers now need to determine safe doses, delivery methods, and potential side effects before clinical testing.
01:12Disclosure, this video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.
