Two independent studies identified molecular drivers that promote ovarian cancer progression. One team showed that the oncogene DJ‑1 regulates autophagy through the JNK signaling pathway, revealing a mechanistic axis that may influence tumor survival and therapy response. A separate study reported that lncRNA AC040169.1 is upregulated in ovarian cancer and promotes malignancy via N6‑methyladenosine (m6A)‑dependent regulation of downstream targets. Together the papers highlight both protein‑ and RNA‑based targets for therapeutic exploration in ovarian malignancies.