Querying the TCGA HNSCC dataset we identified 8 potential mRNA targets (ESM1, KLF4, IL8, CCL20, IL24, CCNA1, TIMP4 and MMP1) from our validated 20 mRNA panel, which were aberrantly expressed in HNSCC and controlled by CELF1 in oral cancer cells. Here, TIMP4 is linked to lip and oral cavity carcinoma.