LncRNA‐DANCR Promotes ESCC Progression and Function as ceRNA to Regulate DDIT3 Expression by Sponging microRNA‐3193

ABSTRACT Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators of cancer development and progression. Among them, Differentiation Antagonizing Non‐Protein Coding RNA (DANCR) has been implicated in various malignancies, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study explores the clinical characteristics, prognostic implications, functional roles, and molecular mechanisms of DANCR in ESCC. Our results demonstrate that DANCR is highly expressed in ESCC, and acts as an oncogene in ESCC both in vitro and in vivo. Through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we revealed that DANCR promotes ESCC progression by sponging miR‐3193 and regulating its target gene DDIT3 expression. These findings highlight the critical role of DANCR in the development of ESCC and suggest its potential as a prognostic predictor and drug therapeutic target.