The invasion and metastasis of tumour occurs because of the reduced adhesion between the cancer cells in the course of tumour progression owing to the loss of E‐cadherin expression and increased expression of N‐cadherin.5 Walsh et al found that the human epithelium only expressed EFNA1, EFNA3 and EFNA4, as well as EphA1, EphA2 and EphA4; however, it was negative for the expression of other types of EFNA/EphA genes.13 We verified the regulatory effect of miR‐210‐3p expression on EFNA3 with an aim to identify new targets for the treatment of oral cancer. The gene discussed is EFNA1; the disease is lip and oral cavity carcinoma.