Biochem/physiol Actions

COX-2 catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H₂ (the first step in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and prostacyclins). It is the inducible form of cyclooxygenase, induced by phorbol esters, lipopolysaccharides, and cytokines. COX-2 is upregulated in the neovasculature of malignant tumors. Inhibition of COX-2 with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with decreased tumor growth.

Legal Information

TWEEN is a registered trademark of Croda International PLC

Other Notes

Tagged with a six-residue histidine sequence near the N-terminus.

Physical form

Solution in 80 mM Tris, pH 8.0, with 0.3 mM DDC, 0.01% TWEEN^® 20 and 10% glycerol

Substrates

K_M for arachidonate = 6.5 µM. Exhibits activity and sensitivity to NSAIDs similar to the non-tagged enzyme.

Unit Definition

One unit will consume 1.0 nanomole of oxygen per minute at pH 8 at 37 °C.