PCAT6 may enhance ESCC cell proliferation by down-regulating DUSP4. Highlight these evidences, we speculated that PCAT6 could promote the progression of ESCC by regulating the expression of GDF15 and DUSP4. In addition, positive relationship between GDF15 and DUSP4 indicated their synergy effect to cell proliferation and migration. Here, GDF15 is linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.