Knockdown of cZNF292 induces inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and upregulation of AMPK signaling to exert effects in ESCC.174 CircVRK1 functions as a tumor suppressor gene by upregulating PTEN and inhibiting the PI3K/AKT axis.172 Similarly, circLARP4 promotes the expression of PTEN and inactivates the PI3K/AKT pathway to suppress the progression of ESCC.173. This evidence concerns the gene PTEN and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.