Mechanistically, CRC cells with high levels of dual specificity phosphatase 18 (DUSP18) stabilize the transcription factor upstream stimulatory factor 1 (USF1), which upregulates SREBF2, thereby increasing lanosterol biosynthesis (a substrate of CYP51A1) and its release into the TME. This evidence concerns the gene CYP51A1 and colorectal carcinoma.