ObjectiveTo study the expression of c-Met in colorectal carcinoma cells and the effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on proliferation and invasion of colon carcinoma cells SW480. MethodsReal-time PCR and Western blot methods were respectively used to detect the expressions of c-Met mRNA and protein in the different colorectal carcinoma cells in order to screen the high c-Met expression cells. The SW480 cells were incubated with different concentrations (0, 20, 40, and 70 ng/mL) HGF. MTT assay and Transwell test were used to evaluate the effects of proliferation and invasion in the SW480 cells. Results①The c-Met was expressed in each colorectal carcinomar cells, especially highly expressed in the colon carcinoma cells SW480 in vitro.②MTT assay showed that the HGF could promote the proliferation of SW480 cells in a dose-dependent manner with some extent.③Transwell test showed that the HGF could increase the invasion of SW480 cells. ConclusionThe c-Met is highly expressed in colorectal carcinoma cells and HGF could promote proliferation and increase invasion of colorectal carcinoma cells in vitro.