Abstract PO-043: Plexiform neurofibroma microenvironment at single-cell resolution

Abstract

Abstract Plexiform neurofibromas (PN) are benign nerve sheath Schwann cell tumors, which occur in at least 50% of individuals with loss of function mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene, an off signal for RAS-GTPases. Tumors form, at least in part, through activation of the RAS-MAPK pathway in Schwann cells. Though benign, PN can cause significant morbidity and are often inoperable due to integration with vital peripheral nerves. Recent clinical trials have shown that MEK inhibition can shrink most PN, but continued MEK inhibition is required for sustained response. It is recognized that PN contain many cell types in addition to Schwann cells, and that Schwann cells are present in varying proportions. However, biomarkers for many cell types have not yet been identified, and it is not known whether subpopulations of certain cell types exist within neurofibromas. To address these issues, we performed single cell RNA sequencing on PN using a genetically engineered mouse model which closely recapitulates human PN. We have characterized tumor composition, and identified PN Schwann cells, satellite glial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells, and other previously unreported cell types. We identified multiple subpopulations of Schwann cells, macrophages and fibroblasts within benign PN. Cluster by cluster comparison of PN to age-matched healthy nerve and to pretumor nerve tissue from the same mouse model revealed gene regulatory networks that are significantly altered in PN, after loss of NF1 function. Further, inference of cell-cell communication networks shows robust changes in PN that are absent before tumors form, and that are potentially targetable. Comparison to MEK inhibitor treated PN and to human PN sc-RNASeq is ongoing. Taken together, these approaches characterize PN, provide potential biomarkers for cell populations and identify targets for drug treatment. Supported by NIH (NINDS-28840) and the DOD Program on Neurofibromatosis. LK is supported by NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein T32. Citation Format: Leah J. Kershner, Jianqiang Wu, Nathan Salomonis, Nancy Ratner. Plexiform neurofibroma microenvironment at single-cell resolution [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Tumor Heterogeneity: From Single Cells to Clinical Impact; 2020 Sep 17-18. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(21 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-043.