Elevated levels of SPP1 have been found to promote colitis and stimulate tumor growth46; Additionally, SIX4 has been reported to be upregulated in osteosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, and colorectal cancer, and it has been shown to promote tumor progression36, 47, 48. Here, SIX4 is linked to non-small cell lung carcinoma.