Knockdown of cellular DAPK1 expression was associated with a significant decrease of intrinsic cell death in topotecan-treated cells, as indicated by the reduced caspase-3/7 activities and PARP cleavage, suggesting an important role of DAPK1 in the death of cervical cancer cells induced by topotecan (Fig. 6C). This evidence concerns the gene CASP3 and cervical carcinoma.