We found a significantly strong correlation (> 0.5 or < − 0.5, p < 0.05) between HK3 mRNA level and expression of seven of 21 examined genes (ZEB2, GREM1, TGFB3, TGFB1, SNAI2, TWIST1, and COL1A1) in CRC. Here, TGFB1 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.