Could deciphering cellular-mesenchymal epithelial transition factor/hepatocyte growth factor network dynamics unlock novel biomarker-driven therapies for colorectal cancer?

Figure 1 A comprehensive timeline summarizing the key advancements and discoveries in the field of cellular-mesenchymal epithelial transition factor/hepatocyte growth factor signaling pathway research. The cellular-mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met)/hepatocyte growth factor pathway journey began with hepatocyte growth factor’s discovery in 1984, followed by c-Met’s identification as its receptor in 1986. By 1995, mutations in the c-Met gene were linked to cancer progression. In 2000, the signaling mechanism was elucidated, leading to c-Met inhibitors’ development in 2008. In 2010, the pathway’s role in cancer metastasis was identified, and in 2014, its cross-talk with other signaling cascades was discovered. Recently, more drugs targeting this axis entered clinical trials, marking a significant milestone in translational medicine. HGF: Hepatocyte growth factor; c-Met: Cellular-mesenchymal epithelial transition factor.