Loss of SMAD signaling has been associated with increased migration and loss of growth suppression in colon cancer [22], and we now show one possible mechanism in colon cancer by which SMAD signaling may be bypassed via preferential activin signaling, presenting an explanation for the pro-migratory and pro-proliferative effects accompanying lost SMAD signaling. The gene discussed is INHBE; the disease is malignant colon neoplasm.