Meanwhile, miR19a-3p upregulation and the uc.189-EPHA2 axis activates the RAC1/CDC42-PAK1 and the p38/MAPK/VEGF-C pathways to promote the formation of lymphatic vessels and the metastatic ability in ESCC (122, 123). Here, MAPK1 is linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.