In summary, we demonstrate that the DNA damage-responsive lncRNA PARylator is commonly upregulated by gene copy number gain and FOXA1-mediated transcription, and functions as an RNA cofactor that strengthens PARP1-dependent DNA repair and fosters ESCC cell survival under genotoxic stress (Fig. 8). The gene discussed is FOXA1; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.