The role of OR51E2 in colon cancer and rectal adenocarcinoma and the potential underlying mechanism

Objective Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by intestinal microbiota influence the pathogenesis and development of several intestinal diseases. OR51E2 is a newly discovered SCFA receptor. At present, research on the link between OR51E2 and intestinal cancer is limited. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between OR51E2 and colorectal cancer.Methods Bioinformatic analysis revealed the OR51E2 protein expression pattern in different parts of the intestine, regulation of related proteins, and immune cell infiltration. The expression pattern and prognostic value of OR51E2 in colon and rectal cancer was determined, and the miRNAs targeting OR51E2 were predicted. Results The expression level of OR51E2 was relatively high in the colon, small intestine, and duodenum. In addition, OR51E2 expression level was significantly reduced in colon and rectal cancer. A positive correlation between OR51E2 and immune cells was observed, which was associated with the survival of patients with colon and rectal cancer (hazard ratio: 1.5). Further, miR-96-5p and miR-1271-5-p were predicted to target OR51E2. Conclusion OR51E2 plays an important positive role in the survival of patients with colon cancer and rectal adenocarcinoma.