Overexpression of MACC1 leads to downstream activation of HGF/MET and potentiates metastasis and recurrence of colorectal cancer

Survival rates from colorectal cancer (CRC) differ dramatically according to the stage of the tumor at diagnosis, with survival rates of 90% for patients with stage I disease but only 49% for those with stage III cancer. Many serum and tumor markers have been identified but none has provided a significant improvement over tumor stage as a prognostic indicator for cancer recurrence for patients with stage II or III disease. Aberrant activation of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/HGF receptor (MET) signaling pathway is associated with both malignant transformation and metastatic potential of CRC. MACC1 (metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1) is a newly discovered gene that regulates this signaling cascade. The significant correlation between overexpression of MACC1 in CRC and both malignant transformation and subsequent risk for metastases in stage II and III CRC indicates that MACC1 tumor typing may prove valuable for determining risk for CRC recurrence. MACC1 may also be an important therapeutic target for CRC treatment.