The results of the correlation analysis of ZFAS1 expression and miR-124 expression in ESCC tissues reported that ZFAS1 expression and miR-124 expression were negatively correlated in ESCC tissues (r = − 0.749, p <  0.001) (Fig. 1a-c). Here, ZFAS1 is linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.