By triggering the MAPK/ERK/MMP2 signaling cascade, the short splicing variation of DCLK1 (DCLK1-S) might encourage the growth and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells, and the ERK1/2 inhibitor SCH772984 can lessen these functions [32]. Here, DCLK1 is linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.