Expression of caspase-14 reduces tumorigenicity of skin cancer cells

Background: The green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) possesses anti-carcinogenic properties and was found to induce terminal differentiation in epidermal keratinocytes. Caspase-14, a member of the caspase family associated with epithelial cell differentiation, planned cell death, and barrier formation, is induced by EGCG in normal human epidermal keratinocytes but not in cancer cells. Materials and Methods: A human epidermoid cancer cell line, A431, was co-transfected with a caspase-14-expressing pCW vector and a GFP/neo-expressing pCMV vector. Cell growth and tumongenicity of the stable transfectant were determined in comparison to cells transfected with the control GFP/neo-expressing pCW vector. Results: Expression of exogenous caspase-14 led to growth inhibition and reduced the tumorigenicity of A431 cells. Conclusion: Pending future studies, caspase-14 could be used as a novel approach to skin cancer therapy via gene delivery systems.