HES1 and colorectal carcinoma: Importantly, increased mRNA expression of Wnt target genes (Axin2, Fibronectin and LEF1) and Notch target genes (HES1 and HES2) was detected by real-time PCR in CRC cells with AES knockdown, while reintroduction of wild-type or mutant (S121A) AES reversed the expression of Wnt target genes and Notch target genes.