Identification of a 5-gene-based signature to predict prognosis and correlate immunomodulators for rectal cancer

•A signature consisting of 5 genes (CLIC5, ENTPD8, PACSIN3, HGD, and GNG7) was selected to construct a prognostic model in TCGA rectal cancer cohort and validated in the GSE133057 cohort.•It showed that overall survival is significantly low in the high-risk group (P = 0.0044, log-rank = 6.328).•It was differentially involved in the immune-related analyses between the high- and low-risk groups in rectal cancer, which correlated with immune inhibitors.•It showed significant correlations between the high- and low-risk groups with differentiation, apoptosis, and quiescence at the single-cell level in rectal cancer.