The key gene NRCAM is one of the most widely targeted genes of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, up-regulation of NRCAM could protect COAD cells from apoptosis by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinases and AKT signaling pathways,[58] and up-regulation of NRCAM also can lead to tumorigenesis, cell proliferation, and migration.[55] Therefore, it can be speculated that the over-expression of NRCAM plays a promoting role in COAD development. The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is colon adenocarcinoma.