The RBM4 ablation-induced growth inhibition of ESCC cells was also in part overturned by the depletion of AMPK or LKB1 as shown in the colony formation and growth curve experiment (Fig. 3k–m), suggesting that RBM4-depletion activates LKB1-AMPK-P27 cascade, which triggers senescence, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of ESCC cells. This evidence concerns the gene STK11 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.