Moreover, a significant negative correlation between SULF1 and miR-148b-3p expression levels in CRC tissues (P = 0.010, rs: − 0.40) and to a greater extent, but positively, in adjacent normal tissues (P = 0.004, rs: 0.47) was found (frame D of Fig. 8). Here, SULF1 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.