Similarly, ZIP4 induces EMT-promoting migration and invasion through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).77 Additionally, elevated expression of ZIP13 activates the Src/FAK pathway, leading to increased expression of pro-tumor metastatic genes but decreased expression of tumor suppressor genes in ovarian cancer.73 Overall, cancer cells appear to require stimulation of oncogenic pathways by zinc to maintain their aggressiveness. This evidence concerns the gene PTK2 and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.