We saw a generally insignificant or modest change in expression of transcripts of CRC components such as PHOX2B, GATA3 and HAND2 on ASCL1 KO (Figure 5A), which was not always consistent across both cell lines, indicating that ASCL1 is not absolutely required for maintaining high level expression of the core CRC network. This evidence concerns the gene HAND2 and colorectal carcinoma.