COL3A1: Potential prognostic predictor for head and neck cancer based on immune‐microenvironment alternative splicing

We aimed to identify a novel prognostic biomarker for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) based on tumor immunology‐related alternative splicing (AS). Data for 502 HNSCC and 44 normal samples were obtained from the TCGA database and used to establish an AS‐related risk model through univariate, least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator Cox regression analyses. Fresh HNSCC and normal oral tissues were surgically obtained from 44 HNSCC patients. Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR were used to assess gene expression levels. Kaplan–Meier was performed to evaluate patients' overall survival (OS) rate. The CIBERSORT algorithm, single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis, and immune checkpoint analyses were performed to compare immune activities between subgroups. The risk model was established using 10 pivotal AS events first. Collagen Type III Alpha 1 Chain (COL3A1) were screened based on |log2FC| ≥ 1 and FDR < 0.05 criteria. COL3A1 expression levels in HNSCC tissues were elevated relative to normal tissues (p