Enhanced levels of TGFβ ligand expression has been associated with advanced tumours,16 and the activation of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programme.17, 18 High levels of TGFβ target genes, in the stromal cells of CRC patients, are associated with poor prognosis,19 and in the recent publication of the consensus molecular subtypes of human CRC, high levels of TGFβ signalling define a mesenchymal subtype with the poorest prognosis.20 The gene discussed is TGFB1; the disease is neoplasm.