Quite a few gene mutations associated with specific inherited syndromes have been implicated in colorectal cancer. These include the APC gene, which is involved in familial adenomatous polyposis, and the STK11 gene, linked to Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Other genes associated with heightened colon cancer risk include the POLD1 and POLE, GREM1 , MSH3, and NTHL1  genes.