Mechanistically, Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5) were identified as downstream effectors of LCN2, with LCN2 inhibiting CRC metastasis through repression of the TGFB1/CXCL5 axis. This evidence concerns the gene LCN2 and colorectal carcinoma.