LGR5 and malignant colon neoplasm: Moreover, as tumor cells often undergo dedifferentiation as tumors progress, we examined the expression of Wnt target genes that have been shown to associate with 'stem-like' colon cancer cells in tumor organoids.19 Indeed, mRNA levels of Lgr5 and Cd44 were markedly elevated in tumor organoids co-cultured with adipocytes, whereas the expression of genes related to epithelial cell differentiation, including sucrase-isomaltase (Sis) and mucin 2 (Muc2), was significantly decreased (Figure 5e).