However, the mRNA expression of E-cadherin was significantly higher in mtDNA-depleted ESCC cells treated with zebularine than in those not treated with zebularine, and mtDNA-depleted ESCC cells treated with zebularine had significantly lower expression of N-cadherin and vimentin than cells not treated with zebularine (Fig. 6C). The gene discussed is VIM; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.