However, when we focused on the early-stage (T1/T2) CRC individuals from the mCRC cohort and compared the EMT marker expression between the LNM-positive and LNM-negative groups, the EMT markers like SERPINE2 and LRP1 were significantly upregulated in both our cohort and the early-stage CRC group from the mCRC cohort (log2FC >1 and p<0.05, Wilcoxon rank-sum test) (Figure 2F and G). This evidence concerns the gene SERPINE2 and colorectal carcinoma.