GFI1 promotes the proliferation and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells through the inhibition of SOCS1 expression

Growth factor-independent 1 (GFI1) has been reported to serve a vital role in hematopoietic development. However, the function and molecular mechanism of GFI1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. In the present study, the biological functions and the molecular mechanism of the effects of GFI1 in ESCC were analyzed. The results demonstrated that GFI1 expression levels were significantly upregulated in ESCC compared with those in normal esophageal tissues. Knockdown of GFI1 using small interfering RNA suppressed ESCC cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, GFI1 enhanced STAT3 and NF-κB signaling by inhibiting the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in ESCC cells. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated that GFI1 promoted the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells via inhibition of SOCS1 expression. These results suggested that GFI1 may be a valuable target for ESCC therapy.