Description:A cutting-edge collection of diverse readily reproducible techniques for dissecting the molecular mechanisms of pain transduction. These methods employ a variety of multidisciplinary approaches ranging from animal pain models and single neutron selection to in vitro single-cell mRNA amplification. The collection includes not only standard and cutting-edge methods, but also novel techniques only recently applied to pain research. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, each one offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.