Notably, we found that linc-ROR and SOX9 were overexpressed in tumorspheres compared with adherent cells, and linc-ROR disruption was sufficient to repress CSC marker expression in vitro and in vivo, as well as sphere-forming capacity, indicating they might coordinately regulate stemness in ESCC. The gene discussed is SOX9; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.