Expression of cyclooxygenase isoforms in the baculovirus expression system

Prostaglandin synthase-1 and 2, also known as cyclooxygenase-1 and 2 (COX) catalyze the rate limiting step in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and other potent lipid mediators. As such, COX enzymes represent important pharmacological targets in the treatment of pain, inflammation, and fever. However, due to the typically low expression level of COX enzymes in most primary tissues, large amounts of highly purified enzyme for in depth study is difficult to obtain. Overexpression of COX in the baculovirus expression system represents a quick and efficient way to overcome this problem and obtain large amounts of catalytically active enzyme. Here, we present a step-by-step approach for COX expression in the baculovirus system.