Simultaneous expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in mouse gastrointestinal hamartomas

Abstract

Cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 is induced in various types of cancer tissues. Here, we demonstrate stromal expression of both COX-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES)-1 in gastrointestinal hamartomas developed in Lkb1+/-, Smad4+/- and Cdx2+/- mice. These results suggest that PGE2 produced by COX-2 and mPGES-1 plays an important role in hamartoma development regardless of the mutated genes causing hamartomas. © 2004 Cancer Research UK.