Caspase-9 Downregulation Suppresses Apoptosis and Promotes Tumor Progression

Review Article

Abstract

Pediatric gastrointestinal tumors (PGITs) exhibit defective apoptosis, but Caspase-9’s role remains unclear. This study explored Caspase-9 function in PGITs via in vitro assays. Caspase-9 was downregulated in PGIT cell lines (HT-29, WiDr, Caco-2) vs. normal HIEC-6. Caspase-9 overexpression promoted apoptosis, enhanced mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibited proliferation, identifying Caspase-9 as a potential PGIT therapeutic target.