JO Cameron is one of only two people in the world who cannot feel pain, fear or anxiety.
The pensioner’s rare genetic mutation also means her stress levels are almost non-existent and her wounds even heal in record time.
Jo Cameron is one of only two people in the world who cannot feel painSWNS
The pensioner’s rare genetic mutation also means her wounds heal quickly
The former teacher has experienced broken bones, cuts, arthritis and several surgical procedures with little or no need for pain relief.
She also regularly feels nothing when burning herself while cooking, and has walked away from a car crash with light bruising.
But despite all of this – and giving birth without even twitching – Jo only found out about her unusual condition 10 years ago.
The mum-of-two, who lives near Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, said: “I knew that I was happy-go-lucky, but it didn’t dawn on me that I was different.
“I thought it was just me. I didn’t know anything strange was going on until I was 65.”
In 2013, she sought treatment for an issue with her hip, which turned out to involve severe joint degeneration – although she had experienced no discomfort.
Jo had her hip replaced, coping on two paracetamol the day after the normally “excruciating” procedure.
Stunned by her lack of pain, doctors referred the OAP to a specialist unit where she finally learned why she had “superpowers”.
Scientists revealed the now-75-year-old’s unique situation was down to a mutation in the previously unknown FAAH-OUT gene.
But experts from University College London (UCL) now have a much clearer understanding of how these variations work at the molecular level.
The researchers said the findings, published in the journal Brain, open up doors for new drugs research in relation to pain management and wound healing.
Professor James Cox, of UCL Medicine, who is a senior author of the study, said: “By understanding precisely what is happening at a molecular level, we can start to understand the biology involved and that opens up possibilities for drug discovery that could one day have far-reaching positive impacts for patients.”
Building on that work, the team found that FAAH-OUT mutation “turns down” the expression of the FAAH gene, which is associated pain, mood and memory.
They discovered enzyme activity levels in the FAAH gene to be significantly reduced in Jo’s case.
The scientists also analysed tissue samples to study the effects of FAAH gene mutations on other molecular pathways and found increased activity in another gene, known as WNT16, that has previously been linked to bone generation.
Alterations were also found in two other genes, BDNF and ACKR3, which they believe may contribute to Jo’s low anxiety, fear and painlessness.
Dr Andrei Okorokov, also of UCL Medicine, a senior author of the study, said: “The FAAH-OUT gene is just one small corner of a vast continent, which this study has begun to map.
“As well as the molecular basis for painlessness, these explorations have identified molecular pathways affecting wound healing and mood, all influenced by the FAAH-OUT mutation.
“As scientists it is our duty to explore and I think these findings will have important implications for areas of research such as wound healing, depression and more.”
Now Jo understands why she is the way she is, she is adamant she’ll outlive all her friends.
“Pain is there for a reason, it warns you – you hear alarm bells – and it would be nice to have warning when something’s wrong,” she said.
“But I’ve decided I’m going to live to 120 as I have no stress and that is the biggest killer.”
Jo is one of just two people on Earth to carry the mutated gene.
The mum-of-two didn’t feel pain during childbirth Read More