COX-2 (human, recombinant)

Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is a bifunctional enzyme that exhibits both COX and peroxidase activities and catalyzes the first step in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and prostacyclins.{500,501} The COX component converts arachidonic acid to the hydroperoxy endoperoxide prostaglandin G2 (PGG2; Item No. 17010), and the peroxidase component reduces the endoperoxide to the corresponding alcohol PGH2 (Item No. 17020). COX-2 expression is induced by a variety of stimuli, including phorbol esters, LPS, and cytokines and is responsible for the biosynthesis of PGs under acute inflammatory conditions.{14766} Thus, COX-2 has been the focus of attention for the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) development. Cayman's COX-2 (human, recombinant) contains an N-terminal hexahistidine tag and an alanine substituted for asparagine at position 580 (COX-2N580A) that prevents glycosylation at position 580 and decreases enzyme degradation in cells.{45243}