1410 Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals POUF51 and HES3 as regulators of the stem cell population in psoriasis

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin condition characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. stem cells (SCs) have previously been shown to exhibit increased asymmetric SC self-renewal without a change in number. To better understand the genes modulating and committed progenitor cell (CP) proliferation psoriasis, we reexamined Cheng et al. 2018 scRNA sequencing data comparing truncal samples (n=3) from psoriatic normal human epidermis. Focusing on mitotic types, utilized unbiased subclustering approach with pseudotime analysis isolate four clusters corresponding putative SCs CPs. All expressing differentiated markers (IVL FLG) or for melanocytes immune were discarded order keratinocytes basal lower spinous layers. We found that number CPs eight-fold psoriasis no detected layer. As expected, differentially upregulated all However, also identify highly expressed specific highlight their possible role disease pathogenesis including, POUF51 (upregulated SCs), regulator maintenance HES1 CPs), Notch target gene involved keratinocyte division. Understanding basis CP may lead novel therapeutic targets manifestations patients mild moderate disease.