EMT is mediated through signaling molecules and transcription factors such as transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), Zinc finger E‐box‐binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), Snail, and Twist.15 We previously reported an association between EMT and poor prognosis of patients with ESCC;16, 17 however, the mechanism of induction of EMT and its effect on ESCCs is insufficiently characterized. The gene discussed is HGF; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.