SOX2 has been described to promote tumor growth through activation of the AKT/mTORC1 signaling39 and to promote metastasis by activating the STAT3/HIF‐1α pathway.40 Targeted silencing of SOX2 by an artificial transcription factor shows an anti‐tumor effect in ESCC.41 In the present study, ectopic SOX2 expression promotes migration, invasion, and drug resistance of ESCC cells, while knockdown of SOX2 or WWC1 overexpression diminishes their migration ability and invasive potential. This evidence concerns the gene HIF1A and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.