ObjectiveTo investigate the role of GOLPH3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). MethodsWound healing assays, transwell invasion assays and 3D culture were carried out to analyze the cell migration and invasion ability of GOLPH3 overexpression and knockdown KYSE-140 cells. The relationship between GOLPH3 expression and CYR61, CD44 and Snail mRNA expression was further examined through qRT-PCR, to identify the mechanisms involved. ResultsGOLPH3-promoted ESCC cell migration and invasion. CYR61, CD44 and Snail mRNA expression levels were correlated with GOLPH3 protein expression level. ConclusionGOLPH3 overexpression promotes ESCC metastasis through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and plays an oncogenesis role in ESCC.