In conclusion, this study demonstrated an oncogenic role of circ_NRIP1 in ESCC cells by suppressing cell growth, migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo via circ_NRIP1/miR-595/SEMA4D axis and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway (Fig. 10). Here, SEMA4D is linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.