In stratified analysis by ethnicity, significant association of PLCE1 rs2274223 G allele and the risk of ESCC (OR=1.33, 95% CI 1.21–1.45) and GCA (OR =1.56, 95% CI: 1.47-1.64) was observed in Chinese population. Here, PLCE1 is linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.