Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 mRNA (COX-2 mRNA) (COX-2 mRNA)

Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2) mRNA is the transcript responsible for the production of the inducible COX-2 enzyme, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in prostaglandin synthesis (UniProt Consortium, 2023). While COX-1 is constitutively expressed for homeostatic functions, COX-2 mRNA is rapidly upregulated in response to inflammatory stimuli, such as cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and growth factors, through transcriptional activation and increased mRNA stability (Dixon et al., 2000). The 3' untranslated region (UTR) of COX-2 mRNA contains multiple AU-rich elements (AREs) that regulate its degradation and translation, serving as a focal point for post-transcriptional control (Moore et al., 2005). Targeting COX-2 at the mRNA level using RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) represents a precision medicine approach to suppress inflammation and inhibit tumor progression in cancers where COX-2 is chronically overexpressed (Strillacci et al., 2006). This strategy aims to circumvent some of the limitations of traditional COX-2 inhibitors by preventing enzyme production entirely rather than just inhibiting its activity.

Other names

PTGS2 mRNACyclooxygenase-2 mRNATIS10 mRNAPHS-2 mRNAProstaglandin G/H synthase 2 mRNA

Inhibition of translation or induction of mRNA degradation via RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense mechanisms to prevent COX-2 enzyme synthesis.