The present invention is based on the discovery of polynucleotides that represent genes that are differentially expressed in colon cancer, e.g., adenomatous polyp, colorectal carcinoma, high metastatic potential colon tumor and metastatic colon cancer. The invention features methods of identifying cells affected by such colon diseases by detection of a gene product encoded by such differentially expressed genes, as well as method of modulating expression of such gene products to effect therapy (e.g., to decrease growth and/or affect abnormal characteristics of cancerous or displastic colon cells).