The knockdown of miR-23a in colorectal tumor cells was also able to allow the occurrence of 5-FU-induced apoptosis in vitro through the apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (APAF-1)/caspase-9 apoptotic pathway, consequently overcoming the initial resistance to this chemotherapeutic regiment [88]. This evidence concerns the gene APAF1 and colorectal neoplasm.