Decreased E‐cadherin expression accompanied by increased N‐cadherin expression is the most important molecular event of the EMT.35, 36 Snail is the direct repression of E‐cadherin and another important mediator of the EMT, as reviewed by Haraguchi.37 Several studies have shown that Snail is highly expressed in many types of malignant tumours and that its overexpression is an important contributor to the poor prognosis of ESCC patients.38, 39, 40, 41 Therefore, any transcriptional factor that induces up‐regulation of Snail or down‐regulation of E‐cadherin may emerge as a potent EMT driver. The gene discussed is CDH1; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.