In order to confirm the function of c-Myc on ESCC proliferation, we tested the c-Myc level of the ESCC cell lines (Additional file 1: Fig. S3a), and then we built the stable c-Myc-knockdown EC109 cells and c-Myc-overexpressing EC9706 cells (Fig. 3f). The gene discussed is MYC; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.