Study on the expression and function of chordin‐like 1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the role and related mechanism of chordin‐like 1 (CHRDL1) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods The expressions of CHRDL1 were analyzed in both mRNA and protein levels by bioinformatics analysis, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization in OSCC. Survival analysis was used to determine the relationship between CHRDL1 and prognosis. In addition, enrichment analysis was used to suggest signal pathways involved in CHRDL1. Besides, the relationships between CHRDL1 and miRNAs, hypoxia, and immune infiltration were explored. Results The mRNA level of CHRDL1 in OSCC was significantly lower than that in normal tissues, while the protein level was significantly higher than that in normal tissues. The high mRNA levels of CHRDL1 suggested a poor prognosis in patients with OSCC. The enrichment results showed that CHRDL1 might be involved in the Calcium signaling pathway, dilated cardiomyopathy, and focal adhesion. 7 immune cells were positively correlated with CHRDL1, while Tgd was negatively correlated with CHRDL1. In addition, we also found that hsa‐miR‐455‐3p directly targeted CHRDL1 and reduced the mRNA levels of CHRDL1. Conclusion CHRDL1 plays a vital role in promoting cancer in OSCC and is down‐regulated at the mRNA levels by hsa‐miR‐455‐3p.