CRC tumour cells are heterogeneous for LGR5 expression; however, in vivo studies using murine-engrafted human primary CRC cells and organoids find that ablation of the LGR5-expressing cellular compartment through treatment with either a specific chemical toxin or chemotherapeutic agent results in tumour regression (Shimokawa et al, 2017; Kobayashi et al, 2012). The gene discussed is LGR5; the disease is neoplasm.