• ZNF154 is downregulated in cervical cancer via promoter methylation, correlating with poor prognosis.
• Overexpression of ZNF154 suppresses cervical cancer cell proliferation and migration.
• ZNF154 inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling by upregulating NLK, a novel mechanistic link.
• ZNF154 represents a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer treatment.