In addition, T1CAF–organoid co-cultures showed increased epithelial expression levels of CD44 (Figure 5D and E), a transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly involved in tumor progression,15, 16, 17 and in particular in CRC invasion through basement membrane proteins.18, 19, 20 Strikingly, overall expression levels of CD44 were not significantly different between monocultures of T1CRC organoids exposed to T1CAF and NF-conditioned medium (Figure 5F and G), thereby further emphasizing the dependency of T1CAF-induced organoid invasion on direct cell–cell contact. This evidence concerns the gene CD44 and colorectal carcinoma.