Based on the TF motif prediction in HaploReg [31], we supposed that the rs12794623-C allele might regulate POLA2 expression via affecting GR binding (Fig. 5F), and POLA2 expression was observed to be moderately correlated with GR expression in both TCGA CRC tissues (P = 2.50×10−8, r = −0.27) and our own CRC tissues (P = 1.89×10−10, r = −0.50) (Fig. 5G and H). This evidence concerns the gene POLA2 and colorectal carcinoma.