Skimmianine as a novel therapeutic agent suppresses proliferation and migration of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via blocking the activation of ERK1/2.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), one of the main histopathological subtypes of esophageal cancer (EC), is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Clinical treatment for ESCC lacks specific molecular targets and effective therapeutic drugs. Skimmianine (SK), one of the natural fluroquinolone alkaloids, is widely present in Rutaceae family plants.