Single-cell analysis has transformed our ability to inspect genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, and proteomic profiles of individual cells. When applied to diverse populations, single-cell sequencing (sc-Seq) allows us to decode the intricacies of both cellular homeostasis and the pathology of the harshest diseases, such as cancer. Omics research has greatly expanded our knowledge of cancer development and the tumor microenvironments formed within the body, allowing scientists to find new potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
In the last decade, research has made strides in expanding our general understanding of multiple myeloma (MM), however, what causes a subset of patients to experience rapid progression of this disease remains a mystery. An incurable illness, MM forms a robust immune microenvironment by interacting with surrounding bone marrow, which supports tumor growth and drug resistance. However, this microenvironment which contributes to MM’s virulence may also hold the key to understanding rapid progression factors. Amongst many benefits, multi-center clinical trials could help decipher trends within the MM rapid progression population, especially as sc-Seq data collection increases.
scRNA-Seq multicenter trials possible
sc-Seq is a complex experimental approach that can produce robust single-cell data sets. However, even within one location, the slightest technical variation can hinder the ability to properly dissect results. A recent study by Pilcher et al. aimed to directly address site to site variability through comparative analysis of data from three different centers. The authors found that with robust preparation and specific scRNA-seq technologies, similar transcriptome profiles and cell type distributions can be identified. The ability to observe trends in both single-cell protein and RNA opens the possibility for expanded multicenter trials and offers hope to accelerate treatment discovery.
Pilot trial identifies several rapid progression MM factors
From this framework, the authors conducted a pilot study that identified rapid progression MM patients have enrichment of certain cell populations, including exhausted T cells with impaired effector functions and enrichment of M2 macrophages. Additionally, alterations in specific immune cell signaling pathways were identified that could potentially be therapeutic targets. This could potentially help rapidly progressing patients gain time and launch the development of an MM single-cell immune atlas.
Read the paper to gain deeper insights into their research, or visit our single-cell sequencing page to explore Revvity’s solutions for key steps of your single-cell sequencing journey.
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
References
- Pilcher, W., Thomas, B.E., Bhasin, S.S. et al. Cross center single-cell RNA sequencing study of the immune microenvironment in rapid progressing multiple myeloma. npj Genom. Med. 8, 3 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41525-022-00340-x
