Overall, these analyses, enriched by selected genes, are related to the extracellular microenvironment such as the extracellular matrix microbiota and mucin glycans, and to changes in intracellular signaling pathways, such as metabolic, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and KRAS signaling, which may play a central role in CRC initiation32,33. This evidence concerns the gene MUC5AC and colorectal carcinoma.