Does SCN9A refer to an ion channel?
Looks like, at least indirectly. Not that I know ion channels from
Adam, but according to the abstract:
This region contain the gene SCN9A, encoding the \alpha-subunit of the
voltage-gated sodium channel, Na_{v}1.7, which is strongly expressed
in nociceptive neurons. .... In cells expressing mutant Na_{v}1.7, the
currents were no greater than background.
:: :: ::
It would be interesting to find out whether or not this familial group
get
similar disorders - and if not why not. Is there a reference or a cite
that I
can use to dig up the paper?
Vol 444|14 December 2006|doi:10.1038/nature05413
Cox et.al., "An SCN9A channelopathy causes congenital inability to
experience pain", p894
Diabetics get indolent sores that do not heal for years called "trophic
ulcers" due to a selective loss of pain sensation in their feet.
Yes. An interesting use of smart materials is to embed sensors in
socks, in an attempt to provide an alternate feedback for potentially
damaging conditions. I've also seen a device for early amputee
rehabilitation which provided audio feedback allowing amputees to find
the optimal weight-bearing range for their stumps -- but luckily it
appears that market is too small to support it. (one hopes that with
the world getting fatter, and older, and seemingly less inclined to
exercise, this won't become commercially viable again)
Speaking of which, you may also find the "Obesity and Diabetes"
(cosponsored by the Nestlé Research Center!) special in the same volume
to be of interest.*
-Dave
:: :: ::
* and, on the subject of diet, the most recent issue of Nature has an
article suggesting that lactose-tolerance is an example of convergent
evolution, arising separately in europe and africa. (that it would be
strongly selected for among pastoralists is no surprise -- judging from
the traditional alpine diet, anyone with lactose intolerance here might
have starved even in times of plenty) Is southern indian cuisine as
dairy-heavy as northern?
