Both Rab1B and MMP9 proteins are mainly distributed in the cytoplasm and membrane of CRC cells (Fig. 2A) with 81% (145/179) and 71.5% (128/179) of CRC samples displaying higher expression of Rab1B and MMP9 proteins than the matched adjacent non-tumorous tissues, respectively (P <0.0001, Fig. 2B and 2C). The gene discussed is MMP9; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.