Based on the <i>in vivo</i> experiments, results showed that the ELK1/miR-31-5p axis positively regulated tumor growth in nude mice.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Our findings indicate that ELK1 regulates the progression of colorectal cancer <i>via</i> an miR-31-5p/CDIP1 axis, and the ELK1/miR-31-5p/CDIP1 axis could be a therapeutic target for colorectal cancer. The gene discussed is ELK1; the disease is colorectal cancer.