There is emerging evidence that transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels expressed in sensory neurons are important for the transduction of chemical, thermal and mechanical signals. Increasing research efforts are directed at understanding the roles of sensory TRP channels in acute and chronic pain. Studies using RNAi techniques to reduce the levels of individual TRP channels or genetically modified mice lacking specific channels are being complemented with pharmacological studies using newly discovered investigational compounds. These studies are providing evidence that drugs that interfere with the function of TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPV4 or TRPV3 may be useful in treating pain.