COX-2 Protein, Human (sf9, His)

COX-2 protein serves as a dual functional enzyme in the biosynthesis pathway of prostanoids, critical mediators in the inflammatory response. Acting as both a cyclooxygenase and peroxidase, COX-2 transforms arachidonate (AA) into the hydroperoxy endoperoxide prostaglandin G2 (PGG2) and further reduces it to the hydroxy endoperoxide prostaglandin H2 (PGH2). This catalytic process involves hydrogen abstraction at carbon 13, followed by molecular oxygen insertion to form the characteristic endoperoxide bridge in prostaglandins. COX-2 extends its enzymatic activity to dihomo-gamma-linoleate (DGLA) and eicosapentaenoate (EPA), generating PGH1 and PGH3 as precursors of 1- and 3-series prostaglandins. Additionally, COX-2 contributes to the alternative prostanoid biosynthesis pathway, converting 2-arachidonoyl lysophospholipids and metabolizing 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. The enzyme also plays a role in the generation of resolution phase interaction products, contributing to the synthesis of specialized pro-resolving mediators during inflammatory processes, such as resolvins. This multifaceted functionality highlights the pivotal role of COX-2 in the intricate regulation of prostanoid production and inflammatory signaling.