The mRNA and protein expression levels of Nestin, SOX2, and Oct4 were markedly up-regulated in these stem-like cells/spheroids (P < 0.05) (Fig. 2d, e), indicating their close similarity to GSCs and that bortezomib might inhibit the stemness of glioma cells in a dose-dependent manner. The gene discussed is SOX2; the disease is glioma.