AKT1 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Given the established role of PI3K/AKT in ESCC and its potential crosstalk with the ZNF468–AURKA axis, this study elucidates how the ZNF468–AURKA axis collaborates with PI3K/AKT signalling to drive tumorigenesis and EMT in ESCC, revealing a novel regulatory mechanism and potential therapeutic target.