In conclusion, our results provide evidence that CXCR4 is up-regulated in CRC and stimulation of CXCR4 bearing cancer cells with CXCL12 led to increased migration, an effect which could be inhibited both by CXCR4 siRNA and neutralizing CXCR4 antibodies. Here, CXCL12 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.