When ESCC bearing mice were treated with RAD001, the increased growth of tumors formed by PSMD2 overexpressing ESCC cells was significantly suppressed by RAD001 treatment, indicating that mTOR mediates the roles of PSMD2 in promoting tumorigenesis of ESCC (Fig. 6O). The gene discussed is PSMD2; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.