Exploring SLC30A6 as a potential prognostic, immunomodulatory, and therapeutic biomarker in various cancers with a focus on pancreatic cancer: a pan-cancer analysis

Abstract Background Our study investigates the multifaceted role of the gene SLC30A6 across 33 distinct cancer types. Understanding the function and impact of SLC30A6 in cancer biology is crucial, as previous studies have hinted at its aberrant expression and potential involvement in tumor progression. This research aims to elucidate the expression patterns, methylation variations, mutational signatures, and survival implications of SLC30A6, along with its engagement with the immune system in various cancers and specially in pancreatic cancer. Methods We conducted a comprehensive analysis of SLC30A6 using data from 33 different cancer types, and all data were analyzed in silico. The study involved examining expression levels, performing correlation analyses with clinical outcomes, assessing methylation variations, and identifying mutational signatures. Functional enrichment analyses were carried out to understand the gene's involvement in biological pathways. Additionally, we evaluated the relationship between SLC30A6 expression and immune cell infiltration levels to uncover its role in the tumor microenvironment. Results SLC30A6 was found to be significantly up-regulated in the majority of the 33 cancer types analyzed. High expression levels of SLC30A6 were consistently correlated with poor survival outcomes, indicating its potential role in cancer prognosis. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that SLC30A6 is involved in key pathways related to tumor progression, including cell proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover, SLC30A6 showed significant associations with diverse immune pathways, suggesting its involvement in immune regulation. Notably, our analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between SLC30A6 expression and the infiltration levels of key immune cells, highlighting its dual immunosuppressive and immunostimulatory roles in a pan-cancer context. Moreover, SLC30A6 is significantly overexpression in pancreatic cancer and have shown different clinical associations as above. Conclusion Our study provides comprehensive insights into the complex interplay between SLC30A6 and cancer development. These findings position SLC30A6 as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target across diverse cancer types, highlighting its importance in future cancer research and treatment strategies.