Moreover, RPTOR overexpression increased the phosphorylation level of ULK1, reduced the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I, and eliminated autophagic flux in METTL1 depleted cells ESCC cells (Fig. 4e–h, Supplementary Fig. 8a, e–g). This evidence concerns the gene ULK1 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.