The role of PIWIL2 in promoting tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer during α2-adrenoceptor agonist dexmedetomidine (DEX) exposure has been investigated by Dong et al. The study demonstrated that DEX exposure upregulates PIWIL2 expression, particularly in CRC cell lines, contributing to, among others, increased cell proliferation. Here, PIWIL2 is linked to colorectal cancer.