Knockdown of CTBP1-DT directly targeted miR-30a-5p to repress cell activity and metastatic ability, whereas deregulation of miR-30a-5p eliminated the above inhibitory effects.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Overexpression of CTBP1-DT has a certain application potential in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and may be a therapeutic target for colorectal cancer. The gene discussed is CTBP1; the disease is colorectal cancer.