In the present study, the expression of DRP-1 (a member of the DAPK family), ezrin and E-cadherin was examined in tumor tissues excised from ESCC patients from Handan, Hebei, a high ESCC incidence area, using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry methods, and analyzed their roles in the carcinogenesis and development of ESCC in order to discover and develop novel biomarkers for the condition. The gene discussed is CDH1; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.