To further investigate expression of hub genes with prognostic value in ESCC, we undertook RT-qPCR screening of the expression of BGN, SPP1, LINC01415, LINC01614, and NKILA in 65 ESCC specimens and 20 non-cancerous specimens of esophageal tissue. Here, NKILA is linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.