Transcriptional regulation of cyclo-oxygenase expression: Three pillars of control

Abstract

Blocking cyclo-oxygenase (COX) isoform activities with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) is widely employed in the treatment of arthritis. These agents also hold great promise in the context of pre- and post-neoplastic diseases such as colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, issues of isoform specificity and delivery necessitate the exploration of other strategies to specifically block expression of the COX genes. Approaches that target gene transcription may complement enzyme inhibition. Thus, understanding the regulation of COX isoform transcription may improve the specific inhibition of expression. Three tiers of transcriptional regulation are evident: initiation, alternative ..