8633 bases, 10 Exons.

One transcript (chr1:184907546-184916179). COX2 promoter is regulated via the interplay between two opposite beta isoforms of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein and the p300 coactivator.

COX2 is an enzyme that belongs to the prostaglandin G/H synthase family. It consists of 604 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 68996Da.
COX2 possesses two catalytic activities and respective active sites:

a cyclooxygenase (COX) that converts arachidonic acid to a prostaglandin endoperoxide, prostaglandin G2 (PGG2), and

a peroxidase (POX) that reduces PGG2 to PGH2.
COX2 functions as homodimer although each subunit has both a POX and a COX active site.
Each subunit binds one heme B (iron-protoporphyrin IX) group.

Wide expression in alimentary system (esophagus, pharynx), male reproductive system (prostate, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory duct), female reproductive system (cervix, uterus), hematopoietic system (bone marrow, monocytes).

Intracellular, cytoplasm, microsome, microsomal membrane.

Enzyme that functions both as a dioxygenase and as a peroxidase. COX-2 catalyzes the transformation of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2, which is the rate-limiting step in the formation of prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2). COX-2 is a potent mediator of inflammation and is implicated in prostanoid signaling in activity dependent plasticity. It is an inducible enzyme that plays an important role in several pathophysiological processes, including inflammation, angiogenesis, and tumorigenesis.

Five heterozygous mutations (1 missense/nonsense, 1 splicing, 3 regulatory) have been identified. Two were associated with diabetes mellitus type 2, one with bladder cancer risk, one with increased risk of colorectal cancer and one with decreased risk of colorectal cancer.