Caspase-3 Downregulation Impairs Apoptosis Execution and Promotes Tumor Progression

Review Article

Abstract

Pediatric gastrointestinal tumors (PGITs) evade apoptosis, but Caspase-3’s role in apoptosis execution remains unclear. This study explored Caspase-3 function in PGITs via in vitro assays. Caspase-3 was downregulated in PGIT cell lines (HT-29, WiDr, Caco-2) vs. normal HIEC-6. Caspase-3 overexpression enhanced apoptosis execution, cleaved apoptotic substrates, and inhibited proliferation, identifying Caspase-3 as a potential PGIT therapeutic target.