AKT1 and cancer: Activation of the AKT pathway contributes to tumorigenesis and metastasis by promoting cancer cell survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation.14 Our previous research has shown that AKT plays a central role in stabilizing SOX2 proteins in mouse embryonic stem cells and esophageal cancer.15,16 Thus, it is worth exploring whether AKT regulates SOX2 stability and promotes cancer cell stemness and chemoresistance in OS.