Real-time RT-PCR and western blotting showed that the inhibitory effect of ZNF471 on ESCC cell metastasis was mediated by the upregulation of E-cadherin (CDH1) and downregulation of vimentin (VIM), N-cadherin (CDH2) and SNAIL1 (Fig. 3E, F). This evidence concerns the gene CDH1 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.