PTGES2

Prostaglandin E synthase 2 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the PTGES2 is_associated_with::gene.

The protein encoded by this gene is a membrane-associated is_associated_with::prostaglandin E synthase, which catalyzes the conversion of is_associated_with::prostaglandin H2 to is_associated_with::prostaglandin E2. This protein also has been shown to activate the transcription regulated by an is_associated_with::interferon-gamma gamma-interferon-activated transcription element (GATE).

Model organisms
is_associated_with::Model organisms have been used in the study of PTGES2 function. A conditional is_associated_with::knockout mouse line, called Ptges2tm1a(EUCOMM)Wtsi was generated as part of the is_associated_with::International Knockout Mouse Consortium program — a high-throughput mutagenesis project to generate and distribute animal models of disease to interested scientists — at the is_associated_with::Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.

Male and female animals underwent a standardized is_associated_with::phenotypic screen to determine the effects of deletion. Twenty two tests were carried out on is_associated_with::mutant mice, but no significant abnormalities were observed.

Clinical significance
The excess production of prostaglandin E 2 is known to contribute to inflammatory diseases which includes is_associated_with::rheumatoid arthritis, is_associated_with::atherosclerosis, and cancer. As such, pharmacological inhibition of prostaglandin E 2 production by synthetic minor prenylated chalcones and flavonoids has potential therapeutic viability. It has been shown that the synthesis of prostaglandin E 2 in the is_associated_with::endothelial cells of the brain is important for inflammation-induced fever. Additionally, investigators have observed elevations in cell doubling rates for several cancer cell types in the presence of prostaglandin E 2 –producing cell lines.