Prostaglandin Synthase-2--Purification and Immunoassay

This project will develop methods for large scale production and quantification of humanprostaglandin H synthase-2 (PGHS-2), a recently discovered enzyme that is differentially regulated andhas significantly different properties than the pGHS-1. Data obtained to date in experimental systemssuggest that the PGHS-2 isoform plays a significant role in inflammation, reproduction, and possiblycarcinogenesis. Methods for large scale production of human PGHS-2 cDNA as the source of humanPGHS-2. Availability of large quantities of purified, metabolically active human PGHS-2 will permitaccelerated development of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are selective forPGHS-2, as well as the mRNA molecules that encode these enzymes, would permit the monitoring ofthe levels of these enzymes in platelets, leukocytes, and other clinical specimens. Specific enzymeimmunoassays for these enzymes will accelerate research on the differential expression of PGHSisoforms in different disease states, and to monitor individuals taking low dose aspirin based on itsreported antithrombotic and/or anticancer activities.