DLX2 and colorectal carcinoma: The findings highlight potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets, including FXYD5+ TCs, stem cell-associated genes, and key TFs, which could guide future interventions in CRC, and in vitro experiments were performed to validate the strongly prognostic-related gene DLX2. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of CRC, our study highlights the importance of a personalized approach in CRC treatment with the ultimate goal of improving patient prognosis.