We also determined the global gene expression profile regulated by PCAT6 by RNA-seq assays, and GDF15 and DUSP4 were identified as potential targets of PCAT6. Though further explorations were needed, our results provide a better understanding of the role of PCAT6 in tumor progression and a potential therapeutic target and prognostic predictor against this ESCC. Here, GDF15 is linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.