Furthermore, AKT2 S128A, CCTα S315/319/323A mutant or CCTα siRNA effectively blocked CAFs (in the presence of defactinib)-induced intratumoral STAT3 activation in ESCC cells/CAFs #1 coculture system (Fig. 6a, b). The gene discussed is STAT3; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.