Nisin has an impact on induction of apoptosis, stopping of cell cycle and reduction of HNSCC cell proliferation, in part, through cation transport regulator homolog 1 (CHAC1), a proapoptotic cation transport regulator and through a concomitant CHAC1-independent influx of extracellular calcium. The gene discussed is CHAC1; the disease is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.