# COX-2 (PTGS2)

Source: https://onco.cc/targets/cox2/  
OnCo record `cox2` (Target). Data CC BY-NC 4.0, attribute "Data from OnCo (onco.cc)"; commercial use needs a licence.

## TL;DR

COX-2 makes the inflammatory prostaglandins that help tumours grow; aspirin and celecoxib block it, which is why they reduce colorectal polyps and are studied for cancer prevention.

## Summary

Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2) is induced by inflammation and is overexpressed in colorectal adenomas and many carcinomas, where prostaglandin E2 drives proliferation, angiogenesis and immune suppression. Celecoxib was approved to reduce polyps in familial adenomatous polyposis (later withdrawn from that indication) and low-dose aspirin lowers colorectal cancer risk in long-term trials; COX-2 inhibition remains a live prevention and adjuvant question.

## Fields

- Kind: Target
- Last checked: 2026-09-04
- Symbol: PTGS2
- Class: enzyme
- Biology: An inducible cyclooxygenase converting arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2; PGE2 acts through EP receptors on tumour and immune cells.
- Where found: Colorectal adenomas and carcinomas (overexpressed); Inflamed tissue, many solid tumours

## Sources

- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostaglandin-endoperoxide_synthase_2
- UniProt P35354: PTGS2: https://www.uniprot.org/uniprotkb/P35354/entry
- HGNC:9605 PTGS2: https://www.genenames.org/data/gene-symbol-report/#!/hgnc_id/HGNC:9605
- ChEMBL target CHEMBL230: https://www.ebi.ac.uk/chembl/explore/target/CHEMBL230

## Connected records

- cancers: [Colorectal cancer](https://onco.cc/cancers/colorectal/)
- terms: [Enabling characteristic: tumour-promoting inflammation](https://onco.cc/terms/tumor-promoting-inflammation/), [Hallmark: inducing or accessing vasculature](https://onco.cc/terms/inducing-angiogenesis/)

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JSON: https://onco.cc/api/v1/entities/cox2.json