Sewell et al. 2026
BDNF Signaling Atlas
An interactive exploration of how 20 distinct spinal cord cell types interpret a single neurotrophic signal. Based on single-cell mass cytometry measuring 19 signaling markers (18 shown here) and 18 cell identity markers across 680,466 cells.
Explore Cell Types
Using identity markers and Leiden clustering, we resolved 20 cell populations across a developmental gradient. Each dot is one cell, drawn from a 30,075-cell sample of the 680,466 we measured.
Do all these cell types respond the same way to BDNF? Not even close.
Signaling Response by Cell Type
Each cell type mounts a unique signaling response to BDNF. Mature neurons show 17-fold pERK induction while progenitors barely respond.
Tap any row to watch that cell type’s signals rise and fall from 5 minutes to 16 hours.
A caution on the smallest populations: Mature Neuron-Cl19 (236 cells) and Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell (120 cells) are so small that their values rest on very few cells per sample.
Temporal Signaling Dynamics
How does each cell type's response unfold over time? Select a marker to see all 20 clusters' time courses overlaid.
Condition Comparison
How does each cell type respond under different conditions? Compare BDNF stimulation, rescue, and deprivation side by side for any marker.
In every condition the cultured spinal cord cells were first deprived of trophic support for 12 hours. BDNF: they were then given BDNF (50 ng/mL). Deprivation: they were given fresh bare medium with no BDNF, the negative control. Rescue: they were refed their rich maintenance medium, the positive control for general trophic support.
Is this signal actually coming through the BDNF receptor? A Trk blocker called K252a lets us check.
Which responses run through Trk receptors?
K252a (a Trk inhibitor) largely abrogates the BDNF response wherever a strong one exists — in mature neurons, and equally in astrocytes and “laden” microglia. Comparing the two conditions shows which responses run through Trk receptors.
Citation
Sewell JM, Bissett AC, Lee G, Zunder ER, Winckler B, Deppmann CD (2026). "A Single-Cell Signaling Atlas of Spinal Cord BDNF Responses Reveals Determinants Beyond Receptor Expression." eLife (Reviewed Preprint). DOI: 10.7554/eLife.111513