In the training cohort, high expression of ULK1 was observed in 189/335 (56.4%) of NPC samples, and in 7/45 (15.6%) normal nasopharyngeal mucosal tissues (P<0.001); in the validation cohort, high expression of ULK1 was observed in 119/215 (55.3%) of NPC samples according this generated cut-off point. This evidence concerns the gene ULK1 and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.