On the other hand, the reciprocal interplay between PC and CRC cells not only enhanced tumorigenic properties of HCT116 cells, but also sustained the autocrine activation of PC by TGF‐β and their myofibroblastic differentiation, as evidenced by overexpression of αSMA, promoting a vicious circle to exacerbate tumor growth and invasion. The gene discussed is TGFB1; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.