The activation of CTSB through transforming growth factor-β signaling was reported to increase the proliferation of melanoma cells and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) of CTSB had an apoptotic effect mediated through the degradation of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in invasive meningioma cells, suggesting the positive effect of CTSB in cell proliferation.8, 9 In contrast, it was reported that CTSB induced apoptosis by activating caspase-3 and -9 in dengue virus-infected HepG2 hepatocytes.10 This evidence concerns the gene CTSB and melanoma.