Objective:To detect the expression level of HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP)in esophageal squamous cell cancer(ESCC)tissues and cell lines and investigate the potential underlying molecular mechanism. Methods:qRT-PCR was used to determine the relative HOTTIP expression levels in ESCC tissues and cell lines. Small interfering RNA(si-HOTTIP)was transfected into ESCC cells to knock down HOTTIP expression. CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay were performed to evaluate the proliferation and invasion ability of ESCC cells. Results:Compared with controls,HOTTIP expression levels were significantly up-regulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines. Higher expression level of HOTTIP was found associated with larger tumor size and more lymph node metastasis. CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay showed that silence of HOTTIP inhibited the proliferation and invasion of Eca-109 and TE-13 cells in vitro. Conclusion:HOTTIP plays crucial role in proliferation and invasion of ESCC.