[Human caspase-14 expression in malignant melanoma and its significance].
OBJECTIVE
To detect the caspase-14 expression in malignant melanoma cells and tumor tissues and its effect on tumor resistance to drug.


METHODS
The mRNA and protein level of caspase-14 in 4 melanoma cell lines (A375, A875, M14, and SK-Mel-1) and the melanocytes, was detected by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Caspase-14 expression in 34 malignant melanoma tumor tissues and 10 dermal nevus tissues was determined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Caspase-14 expression was seen in melanoma cells and melanocytes. It was higher in melanoma-associated antigen 1 recognized by T cells (MART-1) positive cells than in MART-1 negative cells. The cells expressing the lower caspase-14 were more sensitive to the treatment with either chemotherapy drugs camptothecin and cisplatin or radiotherapy than the ones expressing the higher caspase-14 (P<0.01). Caspase-14 expression was observed in 70% dermal nevus, as well as 97% in malignant melanoma tissues, and the difference between them was statistically significant (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Caspase-14 is expressed in tissues and cells of malignant melanoma. Our data indicated that the expression level of caspase-14 affected the drug sensitivity of melanoma.
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Xinyuan
X
Wang
Department of Forensic Genetics, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Ji
J
Zhang
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Yao
Y
Cheng
Department of Forensic Genetics, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Jipei
J
DU
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Degao
D
Chen
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Zhimei
Z
Yang
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Yufang
Y
Wang
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Ning
N
Huang
D053456:Caspase 14 / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D006801:Humans; D058965:MART-1 Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology*
D058965:MART-1 Antigen; D053456:Caspase 14