The COX-2/PGE2 pathway: key roles in the hallmarks of cancer and adaptation to the tumour microenvironment

It is widely accepted that alterations to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and the abundance of its enzymatic product prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) have key roles in influencing the development of colorectal cancer. Deregulation of the COX-2/PGE(2) pathway appears to affect colorectal tumorigenesis via a number of distinct mechanisms: promoting tumour maintenance and progression, encouraging metastatic spread, and perhaps even participating in tumour initiation. Here, we review the role of COX-2/PGE(2) signalling in colorectal tumorigenesis and highlight its ability to influence the hallmarks of cancer--attributes defined by Hanahan and Weinberg as being requisite for tumorigenesis. In addition, we consider components of the COX-prostaglandin pathway emerging as important regulators of tumorigenesis; namely, the prostanoid (EP) receptors, 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase and the prostaglandin transporter. Finally, based on recent findings, we propose a model for the cellular adaptation to the hypoxic tumour microenvironment that encompasses the interplay between COX-2, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 and dynamic switches in beta-catenin function that fine-tune signalling networks to meet the ever-changing demands of a tumour.