An experimental study from 2016 showed that Fusobacterium nucleatum increased proliferation of CRC cells, leading to a faster growth of a larger tumor than controls via TLR-4 (Toll-like receptor 4) signaling to NFkB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells), upregulating expression of microRNA-21 [71]. This evidence concerns the gene TLR4 and colorectal carcinoma.