biostudies-literatureShu JTraining Program for Young and Middle-aged Health Science and TechnologyInnovation Leaders in Henan Province2024 Key Scientific Research Programfor Higher Education Institutions in Henan ProvinceNational Natural Science Foundation of China1092https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12599082biostudies-literatureUnknown30(1)<h4>Objective</h4>Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a lethal malignancy with limited therapeutic options, primarily due to its aggressive metastatic behavior. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular drivers of ESCC metastasis by identifying a critical oncogene and investigate its functional mechanisms.<h4>Methods</h4>Using integrated bioinformatics screening, we identified NDC80 as a potential regulator of metastasis. The role and underlying mechanisms of NDC80 in ESCC progression have remained to be fully elucidated. We conducted in vitro functional assays-including real-time PCR, western blotting, and flow cytometry-to assess the effects of NDC80 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and malignant behavior. Mechanistic studies such as co-culture systems and ELISA, werEuropean journal of medical researchNDC80 promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through macrophages polarization and PI3K/AKT pathway activation.PMC12599082YXKC20220158207022224A310023Liu XZhao NSun MLi YChen KLiang YTabish MSShu JYang CSun ZfalseNDC80 promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through macrophages polarization and PI3K/AKT pathway activation.<h4>Objective</h4>Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a lethal malignancy with limited therapeutic options, primarily due to its aggressive metastatic behavior. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular drivers of ESCC metastasis by identifying a critical oncogene and investigate its functional mechanisms.<h4>Methods</h4>Using integrated bioinformatics screening, we identified NDC80 as a potential regulator of metastasis. The role and underlying mechanisms of NDC80 in ESCC progression have remained to be fully elucidated. We conducted in vitro functional assays-including real-time PCR, western blotting, and flow cytometry-to assess the effects of NDC80 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and malignant behavior. Mechanistic studies such as co-culture systems and ELISA, wer2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Nov2026-05-16T03:17:35.391Z2026-05-16T03:12:36.753ZS-EPMC125990824120789610.1186/s40001-025-03397-3