Single-cell transcriptome sequencing reveals the mechanism of Realgar improvement on erythropoiesis in mice with myelodysplastic syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a malignant hematologic disorder with limited curative options, primarily reliant on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Anemia, a prevalent symptom of MDS, has few effective treatment strategies. Realgar, though known for its therapeutic effects on MDS, remains poorly understood in terms of its mechanism of action. In this study, both in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted using Realgar and its primary active component, As₂S₂, to examine their impact on mouse erythroblasts at the single-cell level. Realgar treatment significantly altered the transcriptional profiles and cellular composition of bone marrow in mice, both in vivo and in vitro. Differentially expressed genes in erythroblasts regulated by Realgar were identified, unveiling potential regulatory functions and signaling pathways, such as heme biosynthesis, hemoglobin production, oxygen binding, IL-17 signaling, and MAPK pathways. These findings suggest that Realgar enhances the differentiation of erythroblasts in mouse bone marrow and improves overall blood cell counts. This work offers preliminary insights into Realgar's mechanisms, expands the understanding of this mineral medicine, and may inform strategies to optimize its therapeutic potential in hematologic diseases.