【Abstract】 Objective To observe the expression of X-box binding protein 1 in esophageal cancer tissues and its effects on the proliferation, migration and invasion of esophageal cancer cells. Methods 60 cases of esophageal cancer and adjacent tissues were given Real-time PCR, western-blot and immunohistochemistry to detect the XBP-1 expression. In the TE-1 cell line, pcDNA3. 1-XBP-l was transfected, and the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of TE-1 cells were examined. Results The results of Real-time PCR showed that the level of XBP-1 mRNA in esophageal cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). The results of Western-blot showed that the expression level of XBP-1 protein in esophageal cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). Among the 60 cases of esophageal cancer, 48 cases were positive and 12 cases were negative. Among the 60 adjacent tissues, 15 tissues were positive and 45 tissues were negative. The positive expression rate of XBP-1 in esophageal cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). In TE-1 cells, the proliferation rate of transfected pcDNA3. 1-XBP-l group was significantly higher than that in blank control group and empty control group (P<0.05). In TE-1 cells, the number of migrated cells and the number of invasive cells after transfection of pcDNA3. 1- XBP-1 were significantly higher than those of transfected pcDNA3. 1 group and blank control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The expression of XBP-1 in esophageal cancer is significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues. Transfection of XBP-1 gene can promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of esophageal cancer cell line TE-1.