Abstract 84: Single-cell transcriptional analysis of multiple myeloma bone marrow aspirates using particle-templated instant partition sequencing (PIPseq)

Abstract Single-cell RNA-seq technologies have dramatically evolved in recent years. Despite these advances, the field faces some significant limitations in the versatility of current single cell technologies. These limitations include speed, ease of use, and the ability to sample both vast and minimal numbers of cells in a single batch - particularly in human samples. The PIPseq approach is based on Particle-templated Instant Partitions (PIPs) that allow single-cell encapsulation and barcoding using uniform droplet emulsions with minimal lab hardware. PIPseq is particularly effective for routine, high-throughput analysis of multiple myeloma bone marrow biopsies. Patients with multiple myeloma undergo a series of treatments aimed at depleting their malignant plasma cells (PC). Nevertheless, a high rate of relapse is observed despite low PC levels detected in the bone marrow (BM). Deep molecular profiling of the cellular pathways of rare PC, as well as their unique microenvironment, may shed light on the mechanisms underlying resistance to conventional therapies. As part of an ongoing clinical research, a bone marrow sample from a patient with multiple myeloma was molecularly characterized using the PIPseq T2 3’ Single Cell RNA Kit. Two distinct cell populations from a frozen BM biopsy were sorted into the T2 PIPseq tube: CD45+ cells (tumor microenvironment; TME) and rare malignant PC. In spite of the limited number of cells in the biopsy, PIPseq analysis clearly resolved both the malignant PC and the TME, demonstrating its utility for extensive analyses of fresh or frozen clinical myeloma samples. Citation Format: Yonatan Katzenelenbogen, Mor Zada, Robert Meltzer, Kristina Fontanez, Ido Amit. Single-cell transcriptional analysis of multiple myeloma bone marrow aspirates using particle-templated instant partition sequencing (PIPseq) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 84.