00:00Scientists at the University of Warwick may have identified a new way to target arthritis pain.
00:05The research focuses on a protein called TRPM2, which helps the body sense gentle warmth.
00:11Scientists found that the same protein can also help sensory nerves generate chronic pain.
00:17In experiments with mice, a single injection blocking TRPM2 completely reversed arthritis pain.
00:23The pain relief lasted for two days.
00:26Importantly, inflammation in the treated joints remained.
00:29That suggests pain could potentially be targeted without suppressing the underlying inflammatory response.
00:35Researchers also found that removing TRPM2 reduced pain caused by nerve injury.
00:40Two different pain triggers, including prostaglandin E2 and autoantibodies, were found to activate the protein.
00:47The study, published in PNAS, describes TRPM2 as a potential pain switch.
00:53Researchers say more work is needed to understand how it operates.
00:56The next challenge is determining whether this approach could eventually help people with chronic arthritis pain.
01:03Disclosure, this video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.
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