Knockdown of CXCR4 and ITGB3 significantly impaired CRC invasion and metastasis modulated by HOXB5 overexpression, whereas the decreased invasive and metastatic abilities of CRC cells mediated by HOXB5 knockdown was readily rescued by overexpression of CXCR4 or ITGB3. The gene discussed is HOXB5; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.