Moreover, blocked CD44 receptors by using CD44-specific antibodies, not only decreased the protein expression of FLJ10540 under osteopontin stimulation, but also suppressed FLJ10540-elicited NPC cell growth and metastasis, supporting the participation of FLJ10540 in the osteopontin/CD44 pathway. This evidence concerns the gene SPP1 and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.