Many actions of cyclooxygenase-2 in cellular dynamics and in cancer

J Cell Physiol. 2002 Mar;190(3):279-86. doi: 10.1002/jcp.10068.

Abstract

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase, the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in prostaglandin synthesis from arachidonic acid. Various prostaglandins are produced in a cell type-specific manner, and they elicit cellular functions via signaling through G-protein coupled membrane receptors, and in some cases, through the nuclear receptor PPAR. COX-2 utilization of arachidonic acid also perturbs the level of intracellular free arachidonic acid and subsequently affects cellular functions. In a number of cell and animal models, induction of COX-2 has been shown to promote cell growth, inhibit apoptosis and enhance cell motility and adhesion. The mechanisms behind these multiple actions of COX-2 are largely unknown. Compelling evidence from genetic and clinical studies indicates that COX-2 upregulation is a key step in carcinogenesis. Overexpression of COX-2 is sufficient to cause tumorigenesis in animal models and inhibition of the COX-2 pathway results in reduction in tumor incidence and progression. Therefore, the potential for application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as the recently developed COX-2 specific inhibitors in cancer clinical practice has drawn tremendous attention in the past few years. Inhibition of COX-2 promises to be an effective approach in the prevention and treatment of cancer, especially colorectal cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Cell Division / physiology
  • Cell Movement / physiology
  • Cell Physiological Phenomena*
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • Humans
  • Isoenzymes / physiology*
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Models, Genetic
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / physiology*

Substances

  • Isoenzymes
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • PTGS2 protein, human
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases