Abstract: Objective To investigate the role of miR-520a in regulation ErbB4 expression and the biological behavior of
esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods The role of miR-520a in regulating the expression of ErbB4 was
investigated by Western blotting and luciferase reporter assay system. The effect of miR-520a on the proliferation and invasion
of ESCC cells was detected by MTT and Transwell invasion assay, respectively. Results Western blotting and luciferase
reporter assay revealed that miR-520a down-regulated the expression of ErbB4 in vitro. miR-520a significantly inhibited the
proliferation and suppressed the invasion of ESCC cell line Eca109. Conclusion miR-520a regulates the expression of ErbB4
and suppresses the proliferation and invasion of ESCC cells in vitro, suggesting its role as a tumor suppressor.