CREB1 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: In summary, to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to unveil the carcinogenic role of CST1 on ESCC by activating the MEK/ERK/CREB pathway to promote cell migration and invasion, and the regulatory effect of miR-942-5p on targeting CST1, suggesting that miR-942-5p/CST1 axis might be a promising target for diagnosis and treatment of ESCC.