Polyamine transporter SLC45A4 regulates pain while knockout mice show reduced sensitivity

Polyamines regulate key cellular processes and are linked to neurological disorders and pain. Prof David Bennett at NDCN performed a GWAS that identified SLC45A4 as associated with chronic pain. SLC45A4, a polyamine transporter enriched in sensory neurons, affects pain perception. Mice lacking SLC45A4 show reduced pain sensitivity, highlighting its potential as a pain therapy target. Dr Zhanru Yu and Prof Benedikt Kessler from the CMD participated in this study.