15-PGDH (15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase) is a tumor suppressor in breast, colon, liver, lung, and pancreas since decreased expression of this enzyme is associated with increased tumorigenesis. 15-PGDH metabolizes intracellular PGE₂ so that this ligand is unable to bind EP receptors, which results in suppression of PGE₂ signaling.

The tumor suppressor 15-PGDH is the key enzyme in prostaglandin E₂ catabolism and is down-regulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue. Canonical Wnt signaling is frequently elevated in colon cancers and has been shown to down-regulate 15-PGDH expression.

Inhibition of 15-PGDH, a prostaglandin-degrading enzyme, potentiates tissue regeneration in multiple organs in mice. 15-PGDH acts in vivo as a negative regulator of prostaglandin levels and activity, provides a candidate target.