Based on predictions from binding motifs and validations through luciferase reporter assays and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified a potential positive STAT3 binding site at Site2 (− 1786 to − 1991 bp) and a potential negative site at Site1 (− 546 to − 780 bp) in the promoter region of LHPP. Additionally, we used previously published ChIP-on-chip data from three ESCC cell lines, which revealed STAT3 binding sites on the PAFR gene, serving as an additional experimental control (Zhao et al. 2023). Here, LHPP is linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.