IKBIP overexpression increased the expression of cell cycle-related proteins (C-myc, Cyclin D1, CDK2 and CDK4), EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin and vimentin) and the cell migration-related protein MMP2, thereby promoting the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells. The gene discussed is CDK2; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.