Exploring the Correlation Between , a Potential Target Gene of Gastric Cancer, and Immune Cell Infiltration.

INTRODUCTION

, an orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is essential for the progression of gastrointestinal cancers. However, it is still unclear how affects tumor immunity and patient prognosis in gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were searched in this investigation to assess the expression patterns of in GC tissues and normal gastric mucosa. The findings were further verified using immunohistochemical tests and quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The Kaplan-Meier method, univariate logistic regression, and Cox regression were then used to investigate the relationship between and clinical traits. Additionally, the potential correlation between , immune checkpoint genes, and immune cell infiltration levels was investigated.

RESULTS

As per the research findings, GC tissues had higher levels of than normal tissues. Additionally, individuals with high expression of had a worse 10-year overall survival (OS), in contrast with those having a low expression of ( < 0.001). The OS of GC can be predicted using a validated nomogram model. The expression of demonstrated a negative correlation with CD8+ T cells. When compared to the low-expression group of , Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis demonstrated that the high-expression group had a considerably higher risk of immune evasion. A remarkable difference (variation) was observed in the levels of expression across both groups, ie, low and high-risk groups, as determined by the immune phenomenon scores (IPS) immunotherapy assessment.

CONCLUSION

By examining from various biological perspectives, it was determined that can act as a predictive biomarker for poor patient prognosis in GC. Additionally, it was observed that is capable of suppressing the proliferation of CD8+ T cells and facilitating immune evasion.