Prostaglandin E ₂ Promotes Colon Cancer Cell Growth Through a G _s -Axin-ß-Catenin Signaling Axis

How cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its proinflammatory metabolite prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) enhance colon cancer progression remains poorly understood. We show that PGE2 stimulates colon cancer cell growth through its heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)–coupled receptor, EP2, by a signaling route that involves the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and the protein kinase Akt by free G protein βγ subunits and the direct association of the G protein α s subunit with the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) domain of axin. This leads to the inactivation and release of glycogen synthase kinase 3β from its complex with axin, thereby relieving the inhibitory phosphorylation of β-catenin and activating its signaling pathway. These findings may provide a molecular framework for the future evaluation of chemopreventive strategies for colorectal cancer.