Update publication information. Purpose: Identification key proteins associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) development could help understand the mechanism and provide a way for the treatment of CRC at present and diagnosis. Experiment design: Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to analyze the proteomic data. Functional annotation and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were used to seek key proteins. Finally, some of the key proteins were validated. Results: By functional annotation, the neutrophil-mediated immunity and metabolic pathway were the main function effected by CRC. In addition, hepatic metastatic CRC was concentrated in cell adhesion-related biological process. Through the PPI network, nine potentially critical targets (HSPD1, EEF1G, HNRNPA2B1, FGB, TLN1, AP2A2, SRRT, APOC3, PGM5) related to stage III and hepatic metastatic CRC were identified. Moreover, we confirmed that HSPD1 and FGB were involved in the development of CRC. Conclusion and clinical relevance: In summary, neutrophil-mediated immunity and the metabolic pathway are crucial in the development of CRC. We have identified potentially critical targets for stage III and hepatic metastatic CRC. HSPD1 acted as a biomarker, while FGB participated in hepatic metastatic CRC.