The observed increases in mRNA transcripts of the mesenchymal markers vimentin and β -catenin, decreased transcripts of the cell adhesion markers E-cadherin and P-cadherin and loss of differentiation markers CDX2, CK6, CK7 and CK13 are hallmarks of transition to a mesenchymal phenotype tumour cells. The gene discussed is CDX2; the disease is neoplasm.