TGF-β1 sensitizes TRPV1 through activation of the TAK1-p38 pathway in DRG neurons. A, B, The TGF-β1-induced enhancement of TRPV1 currents in DRG neurons is prevented by the TAK1 inhibitor (5Z)-7-oxozeaenol or p38 inhibitor SB203580 but not by the JNK inhibitor SP600125 or the MEK inhibitors PD98059 and U0126. **p < 0.01 versus TGF-β1 treatment. C, TGF-β1-induced thermal hyperalgesia is blocked by an intraplantar injection of the p38 inhibitor SB203580. **p < 0.01 versus TGF-β1 treatment. D, Western blot analysis reveals a significant increase in the level of p-p38 in the ipsilateral L3–L5 DRGs on PTD 14. **p < 0.01 versus naive and sham. E, Lumbar puncture injection of p38 inhibitor SB203580 significantly reduces bone cancer-induced thermal hyperalgesia on PTD 14. **p < 0.01 versus vehicle.