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. The COX component converts arachidonic acid to the hydroperoxy endoperoxide prostaglandin G2 (PGG2; ), and the peroxidase component reduces the endoperoxide to the corresponding alcohol PGH2 . COX2 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. Thus, COX-2 has been the focus of attention for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) development. Cayman’s COX-2 (ovine, recombinant) protein can be used for enzyme activity assays.
