〔Abstract〕 ObjectiveTo reveal the effects of overexpression and knockdown of CDH18 gene on cervical cancer proliferation and migration levels through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in cervical cancer cells. Methods A comprehensive analysis of CDH18-interacting molecules was performed via the bioinformatics STRING database (http://cn.string-db.org). Molecular docking between XAV939 and β-catenin was performed using the bioinformatics tool AutoDock (http://autodock.scripps.edu). The effect of CDH18 on β-catenin subcellular distribution was detected by laser confocal microscopy. EdU assay, wound healing assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the effects of CDH18 gene overexpression, CDH18 gene knockdown and the Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor XAV939 on cell proliferation and migration. Western blot was performed to measure the expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related molecules, including β-catenin, transcription factor 4 (TCF4), and cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (c-Myc), following CDH18 gene overexpression, CDH18 gene knockdown, or XAV939 treatment. ResultsIn SiHa and HeLa cells, CDH18gene overexpression significantly increased the protein expression levels of β-catenin, TCF4 and c-Myc, decreased the protein expression of GSK-3β, and enhanced cell proliferation and migration, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). Conversely, CDH18gene knockdown significantly reduced the protein expression of β-catenin, TCF4 and c-Myc, elevated GSK-3β expression, and suppressed cell proliferation and migration ( P<0.05).Treatment with XAV939 in SiHa and HeLa cells downregulated β-catenin, TCF4 and c-Myc, upregulated GSK-3β, and inhibited cell proliferation and migration, with significant differences ( P < 0.05). Conclusion CDH18 promotes the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer cells via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.