Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from two CRC-related datasets (GSE32323 and GSE141174), followed by expression and prognostic analysis of SPINK4. In vitro techniques, such as flow cytometry, western blotting (WB), transwell assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to assess SPINK4 expression in CRC cells. The gene discussed is SPINK4; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.