Prostaglandin H synthase 2 variant (Val511Ala) in African Americans may reduce the risk for colorectal neoplasia.

Prostaglandin H synthase 2 (also known as cyclooxygenase-2) is thought to play a role in the prevention of colon cancer by aspirin, an inhibitor of the enzyme. We used DNA heteroduplex analysis to screen the prostaglandin H synthase 2 gene, to search for naturally occurring enzyme variants that may simulate the effects of aspirin. We found among African-Americans a single-nucleotide polymorphism that changes valine to alanine at residue 511 (V511A; GTT>GCT; g.