Consistent with previous reports [59, 60], we demonstrated that MSI2-mediated HSPB1 expression was required for CRC cell malignancy, and genetic knockdown of MSI2 significantly decreased the growth, proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo (Figs. 2 and 6). The gene discussed is HSPB1; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.