title: Cryptococcus neoformans produces authentic prostaglandin E2 without a cyclooxygenase.
abstract: Many single-celled eukaryotes produce prostaglandin-like molecules, but these have not been absolutely verified by mass spectrometry. We have isolated, and identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, authentic prostaglandin E(2) from Cryptococcus neoformans. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors did not inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, and the cryptococcal genome lacks a cyclooxygenase homolog. Thus, novel enzymes must exist.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0642, USA.
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Erb-Downward
authors.forename: Gary B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Huffnagle
mesh_terms: D015153:Blotting, Western; D002478:Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000378:metabolism*; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1 / Q000737:chemistry*; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000737:chemistry*; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000378:metabolism*; D013058:Mass Spectrometry
chemical_list: D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D015232:Dinoprostone