AXL and cancer: AXL activity has been associated with the upregulation of GTP-binding proteins, such as Rho and Rac, which are key facilitators of cell migration.74 Additionally, AXL activation promotes the expression of important factors such as Akt and MMP9, primarily through NF-κβ and Brg-1 signaling pathways.70,75 In cancers, such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and ovarian tumors, AXL activation stimulates the PI3K/Akt pathway that mediates cancer cell invasion through increased expression of proteolytic enzymes like MMP2 and MMP9.