Besides, a negative correlation between miR-19a-3p and TGFBR3 expression was discovered in ESCC tissues (r = − 0.559, P = 0.030) (Fig. 2A), and no significant correlation was found between miR-19b-3p and TGFBR3 expression (r = − 0.058, P = 0.762) (Fig. 2B). This evidence concerns the gene TGFBR3 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.