[Identification of transcriptional features and surface markers of plasma cell clones in POEMS syndrome by single-cell RNA sequencing]

Abstract

POEMS syndrome is a rare monoclonal plasma cell disorder with unique symptoms distinct from other plasma cell neoplasms. To identify and find the transcriptional features of clonal plasma cells in POEMS syndrome (POEMS clones), single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on patient-derived bone marrow plasma cells. POEMS clones were identified in 5 out of 10 patients, and the proportions of POEMS clones in the plasma cells were markedly smaller than that of other plasma cell malignancies such as multiple myeloma and MGUS. The transcriptional features of POEMS clones differed from those of other plasma cell diseases, and representative MM-related oncogenes were not upregulated in POEMS clones. Notably, POEMS clones are negative for CD19 and express significantly lower MHC-II levels than normal plasma cells; thus, CD19^- HLA-DR^lo is confirmed as a useful marker to identify POEMS clones in patients. These findings unveil the unique features of POEMS clones and contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of POEMS syndrome.

Keywords: POEMS syndrome; Single-cell RNA sequencing.