The role of SOX18 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: implications for prognosis and therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cellular function of SOX18 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by analyzing its effects on tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, and to verify its expression and prognostic significance by clinical samples, thereby providing a basis for precise diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: SOX18 expression was analyzed in NPC cell lines and clinical samples. Gene silencing techniques were utilized to reduce SOX18 expression in NPC cells, followed by assays to evaluate cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Additionally, changes in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were examined. RESULTS: High SOX18 expression was correlated with poor survival in NPC patients. Silencing SOX18 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and suppressed migration and invasion capabilities. Furthermore, SOX18 silencing downregulated key genes and proteins associated with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: SOX18 plays a critical role in NPC progression by affecting key cellular behaviors. Targeting SOX18 may offer new therapeutic strategies and improve prognostic assessments for NPC patients, highlighting its potential as a valuable molecular marker for cancer treatment.