Synergistic regulation of COX-2 expression by bombesin and transforming growth factor-beta

Dig Dis Sci. 2008 Aug;53(8):2045-52. doi: 10.1007/s10620-007-0122-9. Epub 2007 Dec 20.

Abstract

Overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible enzyme regulating prostaglandin release, is mechanistically linked to the development, growth, and spread of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. GI peptide bombesin (BBS) was reported to stimulate COX-2 gene expression. Here we show that TGF-beta1 dramatically enhances the BBS-induced expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein, and the release of PGE2 in the model rat intestinal epithelial cell (RIE-1) line. The synergistic increase in COX-2 levels results from a combination of enhanced COX-2 transcription and reduced mRNA degradation. BBS, but not TGF-beta1, stimulated COX-2 promoter activity, and TGF-beta1 enhanced COX-2 mRNA stability through a p38(MAPK)-dependent pathway. The synergistic regulation of COX-2 expression by TGF-beta1 and BBS may contribute to the upregulation of COX-2 in GI cancers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bombesin / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / biosynthesis*
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / genetics
  • Dinoprostone / metabolism
  • Enzyme Induction
  • Imidazoles / pharmacology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / drug effects
  • Intestinal Mucosa / enzymology*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Pyridines / pharmacology
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA Stability
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Rats
  • Signal Transduction* / drug effects
  • Time Factors
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Transfection
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / metabolism*
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Imidazoles
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Pyridines
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • Ptgs2 protein, rat
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Dinoprostone
  • SB 203580
  • Bombesin