Microsomal prostaglandin e synthase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase: Potential drug targets in cancer

Abstract

Rådmark O, Samuelsson B (Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden). Microsomal prostaglandin Esynthase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase: potential drug targets in cancer (Review). J Intern Med 2010; 268:5-14. There is strong evidence for a role of prostaglandin (PG)E2 in cancer cell proliferation and tumour development. In PGE2 biosynthesis, cyclooxygenases (COX-1/2) convert arachidonic acid to PGH2, which can be isomerized to PGE2 by PGE synthases, including microsomal PGE synthase-1 (MPGES-1). Data describing genetic deletions of MPGES-1 are reviewed. The results suggest that MPGES-1 is an alternative therapeutic target for cancer cells and tumours that express this enzyme. Several compounds that target COX-2 or MPGES-1 also inhibit 5-lipoxygenase. This may be advantageous for treatment of some forms of cancer. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.