While disparate mRNA><protein relationships have been reported by others (54) and at this point cannot be ruled out to explain our observation, an alternative explanation may be that HEXB after expression within the TME by tumor-infiltrating monocytes and/or epithelial CRC cells (both of which actively express HEXB, Supplemental Fig. S4, B and C), leaves the TUMs to enter circulation. The gene discussed is HEXB; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.