The multidimensional issue of
pain in relation to the need for efficient treatment has been the focus of extensive research. Gaining insight into the molecular mechanisms of
pain and identifying specific genes and
proteins as possible drug targets is strongly required considering that not all patients can be adequately treated with the currently available drugs. This up-to-date review aimed to summarize the findings of recent proteomic and genomic approaches in different types of
pain to comment on their potential role in
pain signaling pathways and to evaluate their possible contribution to the development of novel and possibly more targeted
pain therapeutic strategies. Although
pain treatment strategies have been greatly improved during the past century, no ideal targeted
pain treatment has been developed. The development of modern and accurate platforms of technology for the study of genetics and physiology of
pain has led to the identification of an increased number of altered genes and
proteins that are involved in
pain-related pathways. Through genomics and proteomics,
pain-related genes and
proteins, respectively, may be identified as diagnostic markers or drug targets improving therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, such molecular mediators of
pain may reveal novel strategies for individualized
pain management. The utilization of unique experimental approaches (through specific animal models) as well as powered genetic association studies conducted on appropriate populations is more than essential.