Thromboxane synthase is an enzyme downstream of cyclooxygenase, that utilizes prostaglandin H2  to form Thromboxane A2. Thromboxane A2 binds to its G protein coupled receptor, which causes a downstream signaling cascade that results in activation of platelets and Rho-A protein that regulates cell motility. Based on recent research findings, we hypothesize that TXA2 may play an important role in tumor progression and that this functional role of TXA2 is achieved by its ability to modulate tumor cell motility and its ability to activate platelets.

The three specific aims of this project present a road map (1) Define the expression andfunction of TX synthase and TPs during prostate carcinogenesis using the TRAMP transgenic mouse model; (2) Characterize TXA2 receptors expressed in prostate cancer cells and elucidate how TXA2 signaling loop regulates tumor cell motility; (3) Study the functional role for TX synthase and TXA2 receptors in tumor formation, progression, and metastasis, and its relationship with hemostatic components, platelets in particular.