Methylation-associated silencing of miR-193b improves the radiotherapy sensitivity of esophageal cancer cells by targeting cyclin D1 in areas with zinc deficiency.

•Radioresistance of ESCC cells may be induced by blocking the cell cycle in G1.•Zinc deficiency reduced radioresistance of ESCC by promoting cell cycle.•Zinc deficiency both increases levels of ZIP5 and Cyclin D1 by silencing of miR-193b.