FSTL3 and colorectal carcinoma: In order to investigate the effect of FSTL3 on liver metastasis in vivo, CRC cells (HCT-116 Con and HCT-116 shFSTL3, DLD-1 Con and DLD-1 OE-FSTL3) were injected into the distal tip of the spleen using a Hamilton syringe (n = 5 per group).