Novel cationic antimicrobial peptide GW-H1 induced caspase-dependent apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines

► Novel cationic amphipathic AMP GW-H1 has selective cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines J5, Huh7, and Hep3B. ► GW-H1 induced caspase-dependent apoptosis of J5 HCC cell line. ► GW-H1 inhibited tumor growth of J5 xenografts in nude mice. ► GW-H1 possesses chemotherapeutic potential for the treatment of HCC.