Other markers of Paneth cells such as defensin alpha 6 (Defa6; FC = 18.7), matrix metallopeptidase 7 (Mmp7), lysozyme (Lyz; FC = 13.1), secretory phospholipaseA2 (Pla2 g2a; FC = 20), were also up-regulated in our samples, suggesting that these cells are a cellular component of colon tumours, in agreement with previous reports [17-19]. This evidence concerns the gene DEFA6 and colonic neoplasm.