mRNA expression of caspase 14 in skin epithelial malignancies.

Introduction: The skin is the largest organ in the human body and it is also a complex organ. Its protective function is properly maintained due to its continuous renewal. Malignancies develop when the balance between proliferation and cell death is dysregulated in skin cells. Skin epithelial cancers are the most common neoplasms in humans. Although caspases are proteins which regulate the cell cycle and cell death, caspase 14 is a unique representative of the caspase family which does not participate in apoptosis. The detailed role of caspase 14 in skin epithelial malignancies has not been elucidated. Material and methods: We performed a prospective study aimed at the analysis of the mRNA expression of caspase 14 in groups of skin epithelial malignancies. We enrolled 56 patients (control group n = 21, study group n = 35). The mRNA expression of caspase 14 was lower in the non-lesional skin of patients with basal cell cancer or squamous cell cancer compared to a combined group of non-lesional samples from actinic keratosis patients and the control group. Results: The prognostic potential of caspase 14 mRNA is suggested when trying to identify patients predisposed to skin cancer. Moreover, the expression level was lower in combined groups of non-lesional skin obtained from patients with basal cell cancer (BCC)/squamous cell cancer (SCC) in comparison with lesional samples obtained from patients with BCC/SCC. Conclusions: We present primary results of a pilot study and define further goals for research continuation.

Caspase-14-From Biomolecular Basics to Clinical Approach. A Review of Available Data.

Caspase-14 is a unique member of the caspase family-a family of molecules participating in apoptosis. However, it does not affect this process but regulates another form of programmed cell death-cornification, which is characteristic of the epidermis. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in the formation of the skin barrier. The cell death cycle has been a subject of interest for researchers for decades, so a lot of research has been done to expand the understanding of caspase-14, its role in cell homeostasis and processes affecting its expression and activation. Conversely, it is also an interesting target for clinical researchers searching for its role in the physiology of healthy individuals and its pathophysiology in particular diseases. A summary was done in 2008 by Denecker et al., concentrating mostly on the biotechnological aspects of the molecule and its physiological role. However, a lot of new data have been reported, and some more practical and clinical research has been conducted since then. The majority of studies tackled the issue of clinical data presenting the role of caspase in the etiopathology of many diseases such as retinal dysfunctions, multiple malignancies, and skin conditions. This review summarizes the available knowledge on the molecular and, more interestingly, the clinical aspects of caspase-14. It also presents how theoretical science may pave the way for medical research. Methods: The authors analyzed publications available on PubMed until 21 March 2021, using the search term "caspase 14".