RACK1 promoted the growth and migration of the cancer cells in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Dysregulation of hedgehog signaling has been involved in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by the mechanisms that are not fully understood. The receptor for activated protein kinase C (RACK1) is involved in the progression of multiple cancers. However, its expression and function in ESCC have not been investigated. Here, we found that the expression of RACK1 was upregulated in ESCC clinical samples. Moreover, over-expression of RACK1 in ESCC cells promoted cell proliferation and migration, while downregulation of RACK1 impaired the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, RACK1 promoted the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells by activating hedgehog signaling. Taken together, our study suggested RACK1 might be an important therapeutic target in ESCC.