The P2Y2/Src/p38/COX-2 pathway is involved in the resistance to ursolic acid-induced apoptosis in colorectal and prostate cancer cells

► UA increases P2Y2 receptor mRNA levels in both HT-29 and DU145 cells. ► Src activation in HT-29 and DU145 cells is dependent on P2Y2 activation. ► Inhibiting P2Y2/Src/p38 pathway abrogates COX-2 expression and increases apoptosis. ► Apoptosis induction by UA in both HT-29 and DU145 cells is PKC dependent. ► iPLA2 and sPLA2 but not cPLA2 are responsible for arachidonic acid release.