Compared with control cells, a significant increase in the expression of BDNF transcripts (×16.8, P < 0.001), TrkB transcripts encoding the full length (145 kD, ×2.9, P < 0.001) and the truncated form (95 kD, ×24, P < 0.001) were observed in SW480 (i.e. CRC stage II) treated with K252a (Fig. 1A). The gene discussed is BDNF; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.