Given that the induction of EMT by ectopic expression of either the Twist or Snail transcription factors generated stem cell-like cells [32], we proposed that SLC39A6 might regulate the stemness of esophageal cancer and promote the invasion of ESCC cells by affecting the expression of STAT3 and Snail, which needs further exploration. The gene discussed is STAT3; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.