The dynamic switch between the two subpopulations of COLO 205 cells, with the adherent subpopulation showing increased expression of E-cadherin, and loss of E-cadherin expression in the suspended population combined with high expression of β-catenin and stronger interaction with E-selectin, is associated with the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is characterized by a loss of cell adhesion and increased cell invasion in many cancers. The gene discussed is CDH1; the disease is cancer.