Moreover, transcript levels of genes associated with CRC susceptibility loci (e.g., Grem1 and Bmp4) and tumor development and invasion (e.g., Wnt5a, Ereg, Mmp3, Mmp13, Timp1, Saa3, Ptgs2, and Acsl4) were elevated in IL-11+ fibroblasts (Fig. 4d). Here, EREG is linked to colorectal carcinoma.