Subcellular localization of prostaglandin H synthase-2 in a human amnion cell line: implications for nuclear localized prostaglandin signaling pathways

We have determined that prostaglandin H synthase-2 localises strongly to th e nuclear membrane as well as being found in the endoplasmic reticulum in h uman amnion-derived WISH cells which have been stimulated with interleukin 1 beta and phorbol ester. This is consistent with findings in cells of non- reproductive origin. There is strong evidence that prostaglandin J(2) deriv atives, which in other tissues exhibit tumour suppressing, antiproliferativ e and/or differentiation promoting activities, act through binding of intra cellular receptors which then enter the nucleus. In addition, some arachido nic acid derivatives are clearly generated by enzymes at the nuclear envelo pe and localise to sites in nuclei or bind sites in nuclei. The WISH cell l ine will make an excellent system for studying these perinuclear intracellu lar prostanoid signaling mechanisms. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.