Pan-cancer analysis of integrin alpha family and prognosis validation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Integrins are cell-surface receptors involved in the interaction of cells with the extracellular matrix and are essential for processes such as cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. However, the specific mechanisms by which integrin α family (ITGA) genes contribute to tumorigenesis and progression remain to be thoroughly explored. Methods: In this study, based on The Cancer Genome Atlas, we explored the differential expression of ITGA family genes in 33 types of tumors and normal tissues. Univariate COX regression was employed to analyze its association with the survival outcomes of pan-cancer patients. Online tools were utilized to analyze genetic changes of the genes, study the relationship with immune subtypes and evaluate immune cells, and analyze the relationship with tumor mutational burden and stemness. Additionally, immunohistochemistry experiments were conducted on Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) tissue samples to assess the impact of ITGA3 and others on patient prognosis. Results: ITGA family genes are abnormally expressed in most tumors and are significantly associated with poor prognosis. Genetic changes in these genes are mainly amplifications, and the mutation group has a poor prognosis. The differential expression of ITGA family genes is related to increased immune-related scores and immune cells. In HNSC, the high expression of ITGA3/5/6 serves as a biomarker for poor prognosis. Conclusion: Our research results indicate that ITGA family genes can serve as valuable prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for tumors.