CASP2 and malignant colon neoplasm: We also observed that miR-125a-5p functions as an oncogene in colon cancer cells via targeting Casp2 and P53. Furthermore, just like HOTAIR, the amount of miR-125a-5p in colon cancerous tissues was more than that in adjacent healthy tissues, and it was positively correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage.