Cyclooxygenase-2 modulates cellular growth and promotes tumorigenesis.
Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and the prostaglandins resulting from its enzymatic activity have been shown to play a role in modulating cell growth and development of human neoplasia. Evidence includes a direct relationship between COX-2 expression and cancer incidence in humans and animal models, increased tumorigenesis after genetic manipulation of COX-2, and significant anti-tumor properties of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in animal models and in some human cancers. Recent data showed that COX-2 and the derived prostaglandins are involved in control of cellular growth, apoptosis, and signal through a group of nuclear receptors named peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). In this article we will review some of the findings suggesting that COX-2 is involved in multiple cellular mechanisms that lead to tumorigenesis.
University of Connecticut Health Center, Center for Vascular Biology, Farmigton, CT 03032, USA.
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D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000378:metabolism; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000378:metabolism; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D007527:Isoenzymes; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011453:Prostaglandins; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D014157:Transcription Factors; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases