Analysis of single-cell sequencing results of an elderly patient with myeloid leukemia reveals high expression of multiple oncogenes in monocytes and hematopoietic stem cells.

OBJECTIVE

Older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) face a higher risk of death. This study analyzed the gene sequencing results of an elderly AML patient to provide new ideas for treatment.

METHODS

This study performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) bioinformatics analysis of blood cells in the peripheral blood and bone marrow of a 64-year-old AML-M5 patient before chemotherapy. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and functional enrichment analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 7990 and 123 DEGs were identified in monocytes and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), respectively. Among the top 40 DEGs analyzed, MYB showed high expression in peripheral blood monocytes, while 13 other tumor-related genes exhibited high expression in monocytes in the bone marrow. Peripheral blood and bone marrow HSCs had 6 and 12 highly expressed tumor-related genes respectively, including MCL1, JUN, and JUNB. These genes may form a interconnected network contributing to the progression and heterogeneity of AML, which can have an impact on patient treatment and prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, when treating elderly AML patients, it is important to consider their individual characteristics in order to optimize treatment strategies.