CD44 and neoplasm: For example, the expression of CSC markers such as CD44 is influenced by transcription factors associated with EMT,20, 21, 22 and induction of EMT leads to increased expression of stem cell markers by mammary epithelial cells.22 Furthermore, transcription factors associated with EMT regulate the acquisition of CSC properties and prevent tumor senescence.22, 23 We hypothesized that CD44v9 acts at the TIF through an association with EMT in ESCC.