The downregulation of HNRNP A0 dramatically altered the growth of colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and esophageal cancer cells to a much greater degree than other HNRNPs, including HNRNP A1, A2B1, H1, and K, but not non-tumorous cells. The gene discussed is HNRNPA0; the disease is colorectal cancer.