Assignment of the Human Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) Gene to 1q25 by Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization

Abstract

A major mechanism for the regulation of prostaglandin synthesis occurs at the level of cyclooxygenase, also known as prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS). Two isoforms of PTGS have been identified: PTGS1, encoded by a 2.8-kb mRNA and a mitogen-inducible form, PTGS2, encoded by a 4.5-kb mRNA. We report here the assignment of the human PTGS2 gene to chromosome 1q25 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We note with interest the physical proximity of the PTGS2 gene to that of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), which we have previously mapped to chromosome 1q24-q25. In contrast, the PTGS1 gene has been mapped to chromosome 9. Since cPLA2 and PTGS2 are key enzymes in the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane, the possible implication of this proximity could mean that polymorphic markers already determined for the cPLA2 gene may also prove to be useful as markers for the PTGS2 gene as well. 10 refs., 1 fig.