Objective To observe the effect of RNAi that silences MTA1 gene on invasion and migration of esophageal carcinoma 9706 cells.  Methods The siRNA expression vector that silences MTA1 gene was transfected into EC9706 cells by liposome. MTA1 mRNA and protein expressions were detected through quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot

respectively. The invasion and migration of EC9706 cells were evaluated by scrape wound healing assay and cell invasion assay in vitro.  Results MTA1 gene expression significantly decreased. The scrape wound of EC9706 cells healed more slowly and the cell population that cut through Matrigel were less in the EC9706 cells transfected with siRNA expression vector than non-transfected EC9706 cells and the EC9706 cells transfected with blank vector (P0.05).  Conclusion RNAi silencing MTA1 gene inhibits the invasion and migration of esophageal carcinoma effectively. It is supposed that MTA1 gene may be a prospective molecule target in tumor therapy.