Lymphangiogenesis-Related Prognostic Genes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Introduction and aims Lymphangiogenesis (LYM) significantly influences oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) development, necessitating identification of associated prognostic genes to improve clinical management. Methods Differentially expressed genes and LYM-related genes were analysed. Prognostic genes were selected via regression, and a risk model was constructed. Functional, immune, and drug analyses were performed, followed by single-cell RNA-sequencing validation. Results IL17F, CCL26, OLR1, Kelch-like family member 6, and IL17A were identified as prognostic genes. The developed risk model showed that high-risk group patients had a poorer survival rate. Next, there were differences between high-risk group and low-risk group in the infiltration levels of 13 immune cells. Then, in the drug prediction analysis, decitabine and titanium dioxide were found to target IL17A and OLR1 simultaneously. Finally, through the single-cell RNA-sequencing-level analysis, macrophages were identified as the key cells and contained 7 differentiation states. Notably, the overall expression level of OLR1 was relatively high during the differentiation stage of macrophages, and it first decreased and then increased. Conclusions IL17F, CCL26, OLR1, Kelch-like family member 6, and IL17A were identified as prognostic genes, offering fresh perspectives on OSCC patient diagnosis and prognosis. Clinical relevance The 5-gene signature provides a novel tool for prognostic stratification of OSCC patients, which could aid in personalized risk assessment. Additionally, the identified genes and their associated immune profiles offer potential targets for future therapeutic development.