In a recent study, the mechanisms through which SOX2 promotes ESCC cell proliferation have been explored: using a phosphoprotein array it was provided evidence that SOX2 activates AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, and through this mechanism promotes ESCC proliferation [53]. This evidence concerns the gene AKT1 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.