Heavy metal neuroscience: Tracking somatosensory development with single-cell mass cytometry
Dr. Austin Keeler
Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences
University of Delaware
Abstract: The brain is a marvel of complexity. Recently, single-cell RNAseq has become a commonly used and power technique in neurodevelopmental research in large part due to its high-parameter nature, allowing broad simultaneous analysis. To seek parity in protein and signaling work, we adapted mass cytometry, a single-cell, high-parameter, protein-based platform, to interrogate the development of the somatosensory nervous system rapidly and deeply. Here, across a two-week time course during the development of the peripheral somatosensory nervous system, measuring nearly 3 million cells, we identified 71 molecularly distinct somatosensory glial and neuronal states including novel rare neural stem cell-like populations. Comparison to previous RNA-based studies identified substantial differences between many protein–mRNA pairs, demonstrating the importance of protein-level measurements to identify functional cell states. We will use this high-throughput, scalable proteomic platform to explore how peripheral pain neurons develop and function in healthy and diseased systems.
Bio: Dr. Keeler has long been fascinated by the logic that drives proper brain development. To that end, he did his doctoral work in the lab of Joshua Weiner at the University of Iowa to study how a molecular language of adhesion molecules sculpt neuronal morphology. His postdoctoral training in the lab of Christopher Deppmann at the University of Virginia shifted to the role of molecular switches and novel trophic signaling pathways driving neuronal maturation. At UVA he also pioneered the first use of suspension mass cytometry to study neurons and neural development. In the fall of 2023, Dr. Keeler opened his lab at the University of Delaware, and he is excited to use spatial proteomics to understand the development of pain systems and the formation of chronic and neuropathic pain.
