Nociceptive mechanical stimuli are mediated by molecularly distinct nociceptors, and their regulatory pathways are not fully understood. In the current issue, Qi et al. reveal a new transcription factor controlling the development of myelinated nociceptors. The cover image represents segregated genetic programs controlling the emergence of functionally distinct mechanoreceptor subtypes among TrkA-lineage neurons. See pages 685–695. (Cover image provided by Lu Qi).