Recent investigations into the lipoxygenase pathway of plants

Manganese lipoxygenase. Discovery of a bis-allylic hydroperoxide as product and intermediate in a lipoxygenase reaction

Linoleic acid was incubated with manganese lipoxygenase (Mn-LO) from the fungus Gäumannomyces graminis. The product consisted of (13R)-hydroperoxy-(9Z,11E)-octadecadienoic acid ((13R)-HPOD) and a new hydroperoxide, (11S)-hydroperoxy-(9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoic acid ((11S)-HPOD). Incubation of (11R)-[2H]- and (11S)-[2H]linoleic acids with Mn-LO led to the formation of hydroperoxides that largely retained and lost, respectively, the deuterium label. Conversion of the (11S)-deuteriolinoleic acid was accompanied by a primary isotope effect, which manifested itself in a strongly reduced rate of formation of hydroperoxides and in a time-dependent accumulation of deuterium in the unconverted substrate. These experiments indicated that the initial step catalyzed by Mn-LO consisted of abstraction of the pro-S hydrogen of linoleic acid to produce a linoleoyl radical. (11S)-HPOD was converted into (13R)-HPOD upon incubation with Mn-LO. The mechanism of this enzyme-catalyzed hydroperoxide rearrangement was studied in experiments carried out with 18O2 gas or 18O2-labeled hydroperoxides. Incubation of [11-18O2](11S)-HPOD with Mn-LO led to the formation of (13R)-HPOD, which retained 39-44% of the 18O label, whereas (11S)-HPOD incubated with Mn-LO under 18O2 produced (13R)-HPOD, which had incorporated 57% of 18O. Furthermore, analysis of the isotope content of (11S)-HPOD remaining unconverted in such incubations demonstrated that [11-18O2](11S)-HPOD suffered a time-dependent loss of 18O when exposed to Mn-LO, whereas (11S)-HPOD incorporated 18O when incubated with Mn-LO under 18O2. On the basis of these experiments, it was proposed that the conversion of (11S)-HPOD into (13R)-HPOD occurred in a non-concerted way by deoxygenation into a linoleoyl radical. Subsequent reoxygenation of this intermediate by dioxygen attack at C-13 produced (13R)-HPOD, whereas attack at C-11 regenerated (11S)-HPOD. The hydroperoxide rearrangement occurred by oxygen rebound, although, as demonstrated by the 18O experiments, the oxygen molecule released from (11S)-HPOD exchanged with surrounding molecular oxygen prior to its reincorporation.

Biological dynamics and distribution of 3-hydroxy fatty acids in the yeast Dipodascopsis uninucleata as investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy. Evidence for a putative regulatory role in the sexual reproductive cycle

Dipodascopsis uninucleata has been recently shown to produce 3-hydroxy polyenoic fatty acids from several exogenous polyenoic fatty acids. In order to examine whether endogenous 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH-FA) may be implicated in the developmental biology of this yeast, we mapped by immunofluorescence microscopy their occurrence in fixed cells with or without cell walls using an antibody raised against 3R-hydroxy-5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (3R-HETE), the biotransformation product from arachidonic acid (AA). This antibody turned out to cross-react with other 3-OH-FA. 3-OH-FA were detected in situ in gametangia, asci, as well as between released ascospores, and proved to be associated with the sexual reproductive stage of the life cycle of the yeast. Acetylsalicylic acid (1 mM), which is known to suppress the formation of 3-OH-FA from exogenous polyenoic fatty acids, inhibited the occurrence of immunoreactive material as well as the sexual phase of the life cycle suggesting a prominent regulatory role of 3-OH-FA for the latter.

A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method using a PoraPLOT column for the detection of hydroperoxide lyase in Chlorella pyrenoidosa

A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) method using a PoraPLOT Q column was developed for the analysis and identification of the volatile products produced by the action of hydroperoxide lyase (HPLS) upon 13-hydroperoxylinoleic or 13-hydroperoxylinolenic acids. The developed procedure required no derivatization, was not affected by the presence of water, did not require cryogenic conditions to be maintained during injection, and allowed for the quantitation of most products. An acetone powder preparation of Chlorella pyrenoidosa cells was triturated with borate buffer pH = 8.0, and the mixture centrifuged at 12,000 x g. The supernatant and pellet were assayed for HPLS activity by GC-MS analysis of the volatile products given by linoleic acid hydroperoxide. The data showed that the majority of HPLS activity resides in the pellet fraction, and that the primary volatile component was pentane, with smaller amounts of 2-(Z)-pentene and 1-pentene being produced. The fact that HPLS activity resides in the water-insoluble fraction of the acetone powder suggests that HPLS from Chlorella is a membrane-associated enzyme. This investigation also determined that a spectrophotometric assay using alcohol dehydrogenase for measuring HPLS activity was not specific, but measured enzymatic activity other than HPLS.

Mechanism of reaction of myoglobin with the lipid hydroperoxide hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid

The reaction between myoglobin and the lipid hydroperoxide 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9,11(cis,trans)-octadecadienoic acid (HPODE) was studied kinetically by spectrophotometric, polarographic and analytical methods. Metmyoglobin catalysed the decomposition of HPODE, resulting in peroxide, oxygen and conjugated diene depletion, together with the transient production of ferryl myoglobin. The reaction stoichiometry was 2:1:1 for peroxide to oxygen to conjugated diene, whereas the myoglobin remained generally intact. This stoichiometry and the rates of change of conjugated diene and ferryl myoglobin concentrations were not completely consistent with previously proposed mechanisms. We propose a novel mechanism in which HPODE reacts with both ferric myoglobin and ferryl myoglobin to form a redox cycle. Both peroxyl and alkoxyl radicals are produced, explaining the observed stoichiometry of peroxide, oxygen and conjugated diene depletion and the transient appearance of ferryl myoglobin. Computer simulation shows that this mechanism is fully capable of reproducing the observed time courses of all components.

Specific soybean lipoxygenases localize to discrete subcellular compartments and their mRNAs are differentially regulated by source-sink status

Members of the lipoxygenase multigene family, found widely in eukaryotes, have been proposed to function in nitrogen partitioning and storage in plants. Lipoxygenase gene responses to source-sink manipulations in mature soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) leaves were examined using gene-specific riboprobes to the five vegetative lipoxygenases (vlxA-vlxE). Steady-state levels of all vlx mRNAs responded strongly to sink limitation, but specific transcripts exhibited differential patterns of response as well. During reproductive sink limitation, vlxA and vlxB messages accumulated to high levels, whereas vlxC and vlxD transcript levels were modest. Immunolocalization using peptide-specific antibodies demonstrated that under control conditions, VLXB was present in the cytosol of the paraveinal mesophyll and with pod removal accumulated additionally in the bundle-sheath and adjacent cells. With sink limitation VLXD accumulated to apparent high levels in the vacuoles of the same cells. Segregation of gene products at the cellular and subcellular levels may thus permit complex patterns of differential regulation within the same cell type. Specific lipoxygenase isoforms may have a role in short-term nitrogen storage (VLXC/D), whereas others may simultaneously function in assimilate partitioning as active enzymes (VLXA/B).

Cucumber root lipoxygenase can act on acyl groups in phosphatidylcholine

A cDNA encoding cucumber root lipoxygenase was isolated and expressed in E. coli. The enzyme showed highest activity at pH 5.5 when alpha-linolenic acid dispersed with Tween 20 was used as a substrate but showed little activity at above pH 8.0. On the contrary, it showed the highest activity at pH 9.0 with trilinolenin emulsified with gum arabic. When the assay was performed with linolenic acid dispersed with different concentrations of Tween 20, little activity which could be seen up to the reaction solution became turbid as the linolenic acid/Tween 20 ratio increased, while the activity rapidly emerged afterward. The enzyme could also act on phosphatidylcholine, although the activity was strongly modified by freeze-thaw and sonication treatment on the lipid vesicles. Addition of deoxycholic acid to the phospholipid vesicles drastically enhanced the activity. Addition of free fatty acid was also revealed to be effective to enhance the activity. In the latter case, myristic acid exerted highest activity. Oleic acid enhanced the activity more highly than palmitic acid did. These lines of evidence suggested that the lipoxygenase strictly recognized a specific physical state of the phospholipid substrate in the reaction mixture. The enzyme was irreversibly inactivated as the reaction proceeded, however, the rate of the inactivation was much influenced by the additives. Furthermore, stoichiometry between consumed oxygen and formed conjugated diene could not be observed. (c) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Catalytic properties of allene oxide synthase from flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

We investigated the catalytic and kinetic properties of allene oxide synthase (AOS; E.C. 4.2.1.92) from flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.). Both Michaelis constant and maximal initial velocity for the conversion of 9(S)- and 13(S)-hydroperoxides of linoleic and linolenic acid were determined by a photometric assay. 13(S)-Hydroperoxy-9(Z), 11(E)-octadecadienoic acid [13(S)-HPOD] as the most effective substrate was converted at 116.9 +/- 5.8 nkat/mg protein by the flax enzyme extract. The enzyme was also incubated with a series of variable conjugated hydroperoxy dienyladipates. Substrates with a shape similar to the natural hydroperoxides showed the best reactivity. Monoenoic substrates as oleic acid hydroperoxides were not converted by the enzyme. In contrast, 12-hydroperoxy-9(Z), 13(E)-octadecadienoic acid was a strong competitive inhibitor for AOS catalyzed degradation of 13(S)-HPOD. The inhibitor constant was determined to be 0.09 microM. Based on these results, we concluded that allene oxide synthase requires conjugated diene hydroperoxides for successful catalysis. Studying the enantiomeric preference of the enzyme, we found that AOS was also able to metabolize (R)-configurated fatty acid hydroperoxides. Conversion of these substrates into labile allene oxides was confirmed by steric analysis of the stable alpha-ketol hydrolysis products.

Oxygen concentration determines regiospecificity in soybean lipoxygenase-1 reaction via a branched kinetic scheme

The effect of oxygen concentration on the regiospecificity of the soybean lipoxygenase-1 dioxygenation reaction was studied. At low oxygen concentrations (<5 microM), a dramatic change in the regiospecificity of the enzyme was observed with the hydroperoxy-octadecadienoic acid (HPOD) 13:9 ratio closer to 50:50 instead of the generally reported 95:5. This alteration of regiospecificity is not an isolated phenomenon, since it occurs during a reaction carried out under "classical" conditions, i.e. in a buffer saturated with air before the reaction. beta-carotene bleaching and electronic paramagnetic resonance findings provided evidence that substrate-derived free radical species are released from the enzyme. The kinetic scheme proposed by Schilstra et al. (Schilstra, M. J., Veldink, G. A. & Vliegenthart, J. F. G. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 3974-3979) was thus expanded to account for the observed variations in specificity. The equations describing the branched scheme show two different kinetic pathways: a fully enzymatic one leading to a regio-isomeric composition of 13-HPOD:9-HPOD = 95:5, and a semienzymatic one leading to a regio-isomeric composition of 13-HPOD:9-HPOD = 50:50. The ratio between the two different pathways depends on oxygen concentration, which thus determines the overall specificity of the reaction.

Production of 3R-hydroxy-polyenoic fatty acids by the yeast Dipodascopsis uninucleata

Various fatty acids were fed to the yeast Dipodascopsis uninucleata UOFS Y 128, and the extracted samples were analyzed for the accumulation of 3-hydroxy metabolites with the help of electron impact gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fatty acids containing of 5Z,8Z-diene system (5Z,8Z,11Z-eicosatrienoic, 5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic, and 5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z-eicosapentaenoic acids) yielded the corresponding 3-hydroxy-all-Z-eicosapolyenoic acids. Moreover, linoleic acid (9Z,12Z-octadecadienoic acid) and 11Z,14Z,17Z-eicosatrienoic acid were converted to the 3-hydorxylated metabolites of shorter chain length, e,g., 3-hydroxy-5Z,8Z-tetradecadienoic acid and 3-hydroxy-5Z,8Z,11Z-tetradecatrienoic acid, respectively. In contrast, no accumulation of a 3-hydroxy metabolite was observed with oleic acid (9Z-octadecenoic acid), linolelaidic acid (9E,12E-octadecadienoic acid), gamma-linolenic acid (6Z,9Z,12Z-octadecatrienoic acid), and eicosanoic acid as substrate. These findings pinpoint that the 3-hydroxylation of a fatty acid in Dipodascopsis uninucleata requires a 5Z,8Z-diene system either directly or following initial incomplete beta-oxidation. Following analysis of the enantiomer composition, the arachidonic acid metabolite was identified as 3R-hydroxy-5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid, which rules out a normal beta-oxidation as biosynthetic route to this new class of oxylipins.

Oxidation of free fatty acids in low density lipoprotein by 15-lipoxygenase stimulates nonenzymic, alpha-tocopherol-mediated peroxidation of cholesteryl esters

15-Lipoxygenase has been implicated in the in vivo oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) a process thought to be important in the origin and/or progression of human atherogenesis. We have suggested previously that oxidation of LDL's cholesteryl esters (CE) and phospholipids by soybean (SLO) or human recombinant 15-lipoxygenase (rhLO) can be ascribed largely to alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TOH)-mediated peroxidation (TMP). In this study we demonstrate that addition to LDL of unesterified linoleate (18:2), other free fatty acid (FFA) substrates, or phospholipase A2 (PLA2) significantly enhanced the accumulation of CE hydro(pero)xides (CE-O(O)H) induced by rhLO, whereas the corresponding CE and nonsubstrate FFA were without effect. The enhanced CE-O(O)H accumulation showed a dependence on the concentration of free 18:2 in LDL. In contrast, addition of 18:2 had little effect on LDL oxidation induced by aqueous peroxyl radicals or Cu2+ ions. Analyses of the regio- and stereoisomers of oxidized 18:2 in SLO-treated native LDL demonstrated that the small amounts of 18:2 associated with the lipoprotein were oxidized enzymically and within minutes, whereas cholesteryl linoleate (Ch18:2) was oxidized nonenzymically and continuously over hours. alpha-Tocopheroxyl radical (alpha-TO.) formed in LDL exposed to SLO was enhanced by addition of 18:2 or PLA2. With rhLO and 18:2-supplemented LDL, oxidation of 18:2 was entirely enzymic, whereas that of Ch18:2 was largely, though not completely, nonenzymic. The small extent of enzymic Ch18:2 oxidation increased with increasing enzyme to LDL ratios. Ascorbate and the reduced form of coenzyme Q, ubiquinol-10, which are both capable of reducing alpha-TO. and thereby preventing TMP, inhibited nonenzymic Ch18:2 oxidation induced by rhLO. Trolox and ascorbyl palmitate, which also inhibit TMP, ameliorated both enzymic and nonenzymic oxidation of LDL's lipids, whereas probucol, a radical scavenger not capable of preventing TMP, was ineffective. These results demonstrate that rhLO-induced oxidation of CE is largely nonenzymic and increases with LDL's content of FFA substrates. We propose that conditions which increase LDL's FFA content, such as the presence of lipases, increase 15-LO-induced LDL lipid peroxidation and that this process requires only an initial, transient enzymic activity.

New insights from spectroscopy into the structure/function relationships of lipoxygenases

Spectroscopic properties of the redox-active iron in the active site of plant and mammalian lipoxygenases can now be combined with recent crystal structure determinations to obtain new insights into lipoxygenase reaction mechanisms.

Structure and mechanism of lipoxygenases

In mammals, lipoxygenases catalyze the formation of hydroperoxides as the first step in the biosynthesis of several inflammatory mediators. The substrate of this reaction, arachidonic acid, is the key precursor of two families of potent physiological effectors. It is the branch point between two central pathways: one, involving the enzyme cyclooxygenase, leads to the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes; the other, involving lipoxygenases, leads to the synthesis of leukotrienes and lipoxins, compounds that regulate important cellular responses in inflammation and immunity. While aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds are potent inhibitors of cyclooxygenase, no effective pharmacological inhibitor of lipoxygenase is presently available. Lipoxygenases are large non-heme, iron-containing enzymes that use molecular oxygen for the diooxygenation of arachidonic acid to form hydroperoxides, the first step in the biosynthetic pathways leading to leukotrienes and lipoxins. Because of the importance of these compounds, lipoxygenases have been the subject of extensive study: from detailed kinetic measurements to cloning, expression, and site-directed mutagenesis. The sequences of over 50 lipoxygenases have been reported. In addition, the structure of soybean lipoxygenase-1, determined by X-ray diffraction methods, has recently been reported. The structure revealed that the 839 amino acids in the protein are organized in two domains: a beta-sheet N-terminal domain and a large, mostly helical C-terminal domain. The iron is present in the C-terminal domain facing two internal cavities that are probably the conduits through which the fatty acid and molecular oxygen gain access to the metal. Models of the mammalian lipoxygenases based on the soybean structure provide clues about the structural determinants of the positional specificity of the enzyme, and can be used as targets for the design of more effective inhibitors.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, Part 2: Biotransformations and biotechnological applications

The realization of the important biomedical roles of polyunsaturated fatty acids has led to the development of methods for obtaining and manipulating polyunsaturated lipids. Enzyme-mediated reactions have demonstrated unique advantages over chemical approaches and commercial lipase- and phospholipase-catalysed processes have been developed to address the mid- to high-value polyunsaturated-lipid market. Research over the past two decades has also highlighted the broad spectrum of bioactive products derived from the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The potential of these compounds in the flavour, fragrance, pharmaceutical and fine-chemical arenas has encouraged the elaboration of biotransformation strategies based on isolated enzymes and whole cells.

Lipoxygenase-2 oxygenates storage lipids in embryos of germinating barley

Besides the pre-existing lipoxygenase (LOX-1) present in quiescent grains, a new lipoxygenase (LOX-2) is induced in embryos of germinating barley [Holtman, W. L., Van Duijn, G., Sedee, N. J. A. & Douma, A. C. (1996) Plant Physiol. 111, 569-576]. The fact that LOX-1 and LOX-2 form different products after incubation with linoleic acid, the (9S)- and (13S)-hydroperoxides, respectively [Van Aarle, P. G. M., De Barse, M. M. J., Veldink, G. A. & Vliegenthart, J. F. G. (1991) FEBS Lett. 280, 159-162; Doderer, A., Kokkelink, I., Van der Veen, S., Valk, B. E., Schram, A. W. & Douma, A. C. (1992) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1120, 97-104], and differ in temporal expression, suggests different physiological functions for the two isoenzymes at the onset of germination. We aimed to obtain more information about these functions by studying the substrate and product specificities of both isoenzymes. Analyses of the products formed from linoleic acid confirmed that LOX-1 oxygenated at C9, and LOX-2 at C13. When testing more complex substrates, it was found that both LOX-1 and LOX-2 were capable of metabolizing esterified fatty acids. Km values from both isoenzymes for free fatty acids were much lower than for esterified fatty acids (7-35-fold for LOX-1 versus 2-8-fold for LOX-2). Interestingly, LOX-1 showed significantly higher Km values for esterified fatty acids than did LOX-2. This was reflected by analyses of the products formed from di- and tri-linoleoylglycerol; LOX-2 formed higher amounts of oxygenated polyunsaturated fatty acids within the esterified lipids than did LOX-1, with a corresponding larger extent of oxygenation. In order to identify potential endogenous substrates, we analyzed free and esterified lipids in total lipid extracts from barley after different periods of germination for LOX-derived products. The results indicated that esterified fatty acids were preferentially metabolized by LOX-2 activity. Analysis of the positional specificity within the lipids after alkaline hydrolysis revealed that only (13S)-hydroxy derivatives were formed, indicating the in vivo action of LOX-2. These data show that LOX-2 is capable of oxygenating storage lipids and suggest that during the onset of germination LOX-2 may be involved in oxygenation of esterified polyunsaturated fatty acids in barley seeds. We suggest that the oxygenation of these lipids precedes the onset of their catabolism and that the degradation product, (9Z,11E,13S)-13-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid, serves as an endogenous substrate for beta-oxidation and therefore as a carbon source for the growing barley embryo.

Analysis of oxylipins by high-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light-scattering detection and particle beam-mass spectrometry

The metabolism of 13S-hydroperoxy-9Z,11E,15Z-octadecatrienoic acid was investigated in a crude enzyme extract from mung bean seedlings (Phaseolus radiatus L.). Hydroperoxide-metabolizing activity was mainly due to a hydroperoxide lyase and, to a lesser extent, to an allene oxide synthase and a peroxygenase. Oxylipins originating from hydrolysis and cyclization of the allene oxide synthase product 12,13-epoxy-9Z,11,15Z-octadecatrienoic acid and from peroxygenase catalysis were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) particle beam-mass spectrometry (PB-MS) and quantified by normal-phase HPLC with an evaporative light-scattering detector (ELSD). An advantage of this methodology was the possibility to avoid extensive derivatization procedures commonly used for the gas chromatographic analysis of oxylipins. Owing to a comparable sample inlet system, the ELSD served an important analytical pilot function for the PB-MS: Qualitatively identical chromatographic patterns were obtained with both detection systems. The HPLC system enabled the separation of methyl 12-oxo-phytodienoate, methyl 11-hydroxy-12-oxo-9Z,15Z-octadecadienoate, methyl 12-oxo-13-hydroxy-9Z,15Z-octadecadienoate, methyl 9-hydroxy-12-oxo-10E,15Z-octadecadienoate, methyl 13-hydroxy-9Z,11E,15Z-octadecatrienoate, methyl 15,16-epoxy-13-hydroxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoate, and methyl 13-hydroperoxy-9Z,11E,15Z-octadecatrienoate on a Lichrospher DIOL column within 33 min. Compared with a diode array detector, the ELSD proved to be more sensitive, in the case of methyl 12-oxo-13-hydroxy-9Z, 15Z-octadecadienoate by a factor of about 15. In addition, volatile metabolites were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography. The yield of the hydroperoxide lyase product 2E-hexenal was 49%, whereas the sum of oxylipins reached about 15%.

Structural elucidation of oxygenated storage lipids in cucumber cotyledons. Implication of lipid body lipoxygenase in lipid mobilization during germination

At early stages of germination, a special lipoxygenase is expressed in cotyledons of cucumber and several other plants. This enzyme is localized at the lipid storage organelles and oxygenates their storage triacylglycerols. We have isolated this lipid body lipoxygenase from cucumber seedlings and found that it is capable of oxygenating in vitro di- and trilinolein to the corresponding mono-, di-, and trihydroperoxy derivatives. To investigate the in vivo activity of this enzyme during germination, lipid bodies were isolated from cucumber seedlings at different stages of germination, and the triacylglycerols were analyzed for oxygenated derivatives by a combination of high pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We identified as major oxygenation products triacylglycerols that contained one, two, or three 13S-hydroperoxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid residues. During germination, the amount of oxygenated lipids increased strongly, reaching a maximum after 72 h and declining afterward. The highly specific pattern of hydroperoxy lipids formed suggested the involvement of the lipid body lipoxygenase in their biosynthesis. These data suggest that this lipoxygenase may play an important role during the germination process of cucumber and other plants and support our previous hypothesis that the specific oxygenation of the storage lipids may initiate their mobilization as a carbon and energy source for the growing seedling.

Discovery of 5R-lipoxygenase activity in oocytes of the surf clam, Spisula solidissima

Arachidonic acid and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) are reported to induce reinitiation of meiosis in oocytes of the surf clam Spisula sachalinensis from the Sea of Japan (Varaksin et al., Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 101C, 627-630 (1992). As the Atlantic surf clam Spisula solidissima is a commonly used model for the study of meiosis reinitiation, we examined these cells for the possible occurrence of lipoxygenases and for the bioactivity of the products. Incubation of [14C]arachidonic acid with homogenates of S. solidissima oocytes led to the formation of two major metabolites: 5R-HETE, a novel lipoxygenase product, and 8R-HETE. The products were identified by HPLC, uv spectroscopy, and GC-MS. The corresponding hydroperoxy fatty acids, the primary lipoxygenase products, were isolated from incubations of ammonium sulfate fractionated oocyte cytosol. Arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids were identified as constituents of S. solidissima oocyte lipids and the free acids were equally good lipoxygenase substrates. We examined the activity of C18 and C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their lipoxygenase products on meiosis reinitiation in Spisula solidissima oocytes, using serotonin and ionophore A23187 as positive controls. The fatty acids and their derivatives were inactive. We conclude that in the surf clam, (as in starfish), there are responding and non-responding species in regard to the maturation-inducing activity of the oocyte lipoxygenase products, and that the lipoxygenase has another, as yet uncharacterized, function in oocyte physiology.

Excess substrate inhibition of soybean lipoxygenase-1 is mainly oxygen-dependent

Soybean lipoxygenase-1 kinetics are known to show product and substrate inhibition. With linoleic acid as the substrate and using a simple Michaelis-Menten formulation, we have shown that K(ss), the substrate inhibition constant was increased by more than five-fold when initial oxygen concentration was increased from 228 to 1140 microM. Excess substrate inhibition is in fact almost avoided at high initial oxygen concentration. This modification seems correlated with enzyme saturation with oxygen relative to linoleic acid, as reflected by alterations of the substrate conversion rate. Possible implications for the enzyme kinetics are discussed.

On the mechanism of biosynthesis of divinyl ether oxylipins by enzyme from garlic bulbs

The microsomal fraction of homogenate of garlic (Allium sativum L.) bulbs contains a divinyl ether synthase which catalyzes conversion of (9Z,11E,13S)-13-hydroperoxy-9, 11-octadecadienoic acid and (9Z,11E,13S,15Z)-13-hydroperoxy-9,11,15-octadecatri eno ic acid into (9Z,11E,1'E,)-12-(1'-hexenyloxy)-9,11-dodecadienoic acid (etherolenic acid) and (9Z,11E,1'E,3'Z)-12-(1',3'-hexadienyloxy)-9,11-dode cadienoic acid (etherolenic acid), respectively. Two isomers of etherolenic acid were isolated. As shown by NMR spectrometry, the double bond configurations of these compounds were (9E,11E,1'E) and (9Z,11Z,1'E). Experiments with linoleic acid (13R,S)-hydroperoxide demonstrated that the S enantiomer was a much better substrate for the divinyl ether synthase compared to the R enantiomer. Incubation of (9Z,11E,13S)-[18O2]hydroperoxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid led to the formation of etherolenic acid which retained 18O in the ether oxygen. An intermediary role of an epoxyallylic cation in etherolenic acid biosynthesis is postulated.

Analysis of lipoxygenase-derived fatty acid hydroperoxides by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid method is described for the identification of fatty acid hydroperoxides by electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography without any derivatization required prior to analysis. Localization of fatty acid hydroperoxides in complex mixtures was achieved by monitoring the loss of hydrogen peroxide using constant neutral loss scanning. In the presence of 5 mM NH4OAc in methanol-water, adduct ions [M + NH4]+ were formed almost exclusively, directly revealing the molecular mass of the thermolabile hydroperoxides. In addition, low energy collision-induced dissociation of precursor ions [M + NH4]+ led to characteristic product ions from both the 9- and 13-regioisomers. Thus, electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry provides a straightforward approach for the study of the regioselectivity of lipoxygenase catalysis without any derivatization step required prior to analysis.

Novel oxylipins from the temperate red alga Polyneura latissima: evidence for an arachidonate 9(S)-lipoxygenase

The oxylipin chemistry of the temperate red alga Polyneura latissima has been investigated. The structures of three novel oxylipins, 8-[1'(Z),3'(Z),6'(Z)-dodecatriene-1'-oxy]- 5(Z),7(E)-octadienoic acid, 7(S*)-hydroxy-8(S*),9(S*)-epoxy-5(Z),11(Z),14(Z)-eicosatrienoic acid, 7(R*)-hydroxy-8(S*),9(S*)-epoxy-5(Z),11(Z),14(Z)-eicosatrienoic acid, together with two known eicosanoids, 9(S)-hydroxy-5(Z),7(E),11(Z),14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid, and 9,15-dihydroxy-5(Z),7(E),11(Z),13(E)-eicosatetraenoic acid, were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and chemical degradation. The oxygenation pattern of these oxylipins suggests that P. latissima metabolizes polyunsaturated fatty acids via a 9(S)-lipoxygenase.

The kinetic behaviour of a two-enzyme system in biphasic media: coupling hydrolysis and lipoxygenation

Analysis of the kinetic behaviour of a two-enzyme-system carrying out two consecutive reactions was investigated in macroheterogeneous biphasic media (octane/buffer pH 9.6, v/v = 1:1). The lipase-catalysed hydrolysis of trilinolein and the subsequent lipoxygenation of the liberated linoleic acid, were coupled in a modified Lewis cell with a well-defined liquid/liquid interfacial area. Trilinolein was dissolved in the organic phase and hydrolysed in the presence of Mucor javanicus lipase at the organic/aqueous interface. Linoleic acid, liberated after hydrolysis was transferred to the aqueous phase and reacted with lipoxygenase. This reaction consumed linoleic acid and produced hydroperoxides, which favoured the transfer of residual linoleic acid, since they possess surface active properties. Catalysis and transfer influenced each other reciprocally. At low substrate concentrations, cooperativity phenomena were observed in the experimental and also the modelled two-enzyme systems. When the initial substrate concentration was high, the kinetic behaviour of the two-enzyme system in a compartmentalised medium, seemed to be independent of the substrate concentration, unlike that observed in homogeneous monophasic enzymology. The numerical integration program used to model the two-enzyme system was based on results obtained in separate studies of the following three phenomena: (1) trilinolein hydrolysis in biphasic medium. (2) linoleic acid transfer across a liquid/liquid interface and (3) lipoxygenation in an aqueous media. Results obtained by modelling were similar to the results observed experimentally.

Protection by different agents against inactivation of lipoxygenase by hydrogen peroxide

H2O2 is a potent inactivator of lipoxygenase. In this paper, the ability of different agents [mannitol, oleic, stearic and linoleic acid, n-butanol, and hydroperoxy octadecadienoic acid (HPOD)] to prevent the inactivation of tomato lipoxygenase by hydrogen peroxide has been studied. The involvement of OH' in the inactivation process is suggested by the ability of mannitol to prevent the loss of activity. This radical would be produced by reaction of H2O2 with the Fe(II) lipoxygenase. The most effective protection was displayed by HPOD, the product of the reaction of lipoxygenase with linoleic acid. This result could be explained by the conversion of the native enzyme into the Fe(III) lipoxygenase in the presence of HPOD; the Fe(III) enzyme is not able to react with H2O2 and no OH' will be produced. The protective effect obtained with oleic and stearic acid could be explained by an occupation of the active center by these inhibitors. The enzyme would not transform them, but their presence would hamper the conversion of H2O2 in OH' and limit the damage in the active center.

Epoxy allylic carbocations as conceptual intermediates in the biogenesis of diverse marine oxylipins

Marine organisms, especially marine algae, are extremely rich in a diversity of novel oxylipin structures. Many of these oxylipins contain functionalities and rings of a type and location unknown in mammalian systems. In this perspective reviewing marine oxylipins, a proposal is formulated for the central intermediacy of an epoxy allylic carbocation in the biogenesis of these diverse structures. This proposal is strengthened by the relatively large number of examples which are consistent with this type of mechanistic transformation.

Lipoxygenase activity in heart cells

Arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism via the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway in rat hearts and in cultured rat cardiomyocytes was investigated using 1-[14C]AA. LOX activity was detected in the microsomal fraction, in the high speed supernatant prepared from rat hearts and in rat cardiomyocyte supernatant. LOX products from all fractions comigrated in thin layer chromatography as 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 15-HETE. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for 12-HETE showed its formation by the microsomal fraction, the ammonium sulfate (AS) pellet, and by rat cardiomyocyte supernatant, while radioimmunoassay for 15-HETE showed its formation only by the AS pellet. The properties of LOX in each fraction are reported here.

Lipid body lipoxygenase characterized by protein fragmentation, cDNA sequence and very early expression of the enzyme during germination of cucumber seeds

Lipid bodies are cellular compartments containing triacylglycerols. They are encompassed by a phospholipid monolayer and decorated with characteristic proteins. In plants, lipid bodies are synthesized during seed formation but acquire new proteins during seed germination. In germinating cucumber (Cucumis sativus) seeds, the set of newly synthesized proteins appearing in the lipid bodies at the early stage of triacylglycerol mobilization comprises a special form of lipoxygenase. We isolated the lipid body lipoxygenase and characterized fragments prepared by limited proteolysis and cleavage with cyanogen bromide. A very early expression of lipid body lipoxygenase was found by studying the rate of de novo synthesis of lipoxygenase forms during germination. This allowed a clear distinction of this enzyme from other lipoxygenase isoforms. Hence, for determining the molecular structure of lipid body lipoxygenase we analyzed a cDNA prepared from mRNA of cotyledons at day 1 of germination. From the cDNA sequence, oligonucleotides were derived that specifically detected lipid body lipoxygenase mRNA on northern blots. The very early expression of lipid body lipoxygenase was corroborated by this approach. Good agreement was observed between the amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA sequence and the peptide structures analyzed biochemically. In particular, the cleavage products of cyanogen bromide treatment indicated that we had isolated the lipid body lipoxygenase cDNA. The sequence data show a lipoxygenase form characterized by a molecular mass of 99655 Da, which is significantly higher than the molecular masses of the cytosolic forms. Compared to the cytosolic forms that exhibit a molecular mass of 95 kDa, the lipid body form has an N-terminal extension of 34 amino acid residues. No evidence for a cotranslational or post-translational proteolytic processing was obtained by the size comparison of the in vitro-translated lipoxygenase and the lipid body form.

Bell pepper fruit fatty acid hydroperoxide lyase is a cytochrome P450 (CYP74B)

Fatty acid hydroperoxide lyases cleave a C-C bond adjacent to a hydroperoxide group in lipoxygenase derived lipid hydroperoxides to form short-chain aldehydes and oxo-acids. Previously, we showed that fatty acid hydroperoxide lyase from bell pepper fruits is a heme protein whose spectrophotometric properties greatly resemble a cytochrome P450. In order to ascertain the relationship of it to the P450 gene family, we have cloned cDNA encoding fatty acid hydroperoxide lyase from immature bell pepper fruits. The cDNA encodes 480 amino acids, and shares homology with P450s mostly at the C terminus. The heme binding cysteine is recognizable at position 441. The most closely related P450 is allene oxide synthase (CYP74A), with which it has 40% identity. It qualifies the lyase as a member of a new P450 subfamily, CYP74B. From this finding, the enzyme is thought to be a novel member of P450 specialized for the metabolism of lipid peroxides.

Purification and molecular cloning of an 8R-lipoxygenase from the coral Plexaura homomalla reveal the related primary structures of R- and S-lipoxygenases

Lipoxygenases that form S configuration fatty acid hydroperoxides have been purified or cloned from plant and mammalian sources. Our objectives were to characterize one of the lipoxygenases with R stereospecificity, many of which are described in marine and freshwater invertebrates. Characterization of the primary structure of an R-specific enzyme should help provide a new perspective to consider the enzyme-substrate interactions that are the basis of the specificity of all lipoxygenases. We purified an 8R-lipoxygenase of the prostaglandin-containing coral Plexaura homomalla by cation and anion exchange chromatography. This yielded a colorless enzyme preparation, a band of approximately 100 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and turnover numbers of 4000 min-1 of 8R-lipoxygenase activity in peak chromatographic fractions. The full-length cDNA was cloned by PCR using peptide sequence from the purified protein and by 5'- and 3'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 715 amino acids, including over 70 amino acids identified by peptide microsequencing. A peptide presequence of 52 amino acids is cleaved to give the mature protein of 76 kDa; the difference from the estimated size by SDS-PAGE implies a post-translational modification of the P. homomalla enzyme. All of the iron-binding histidines of S-lipoxygenases are conserved in the 8R-lipoxygenase. However, the C-terminal amino acid is a threonine, as opposed to the isoleucine that provides the carboxylate ligand to the iron in all known S-lipoxygenases. These results establish that the 8R-lipoxygenase is related in primary structure to the S-lipoxygenases. A model of the basis of R and S stereospecificity is described.

Interaction between beta-carotene and lipoxygenase in human skin

beta-Carotene is widely used in skin care therapy. Its effects on skin are unclear, but actions on lipid peroxidation pathways may be an important element of any protection activities it exerts. This study examines the possible effects of Beta-carotene on enzymatic lipid peroxidation by lipoxygenase in human skin, using in vitro and ex vivo models. The effect of Beta-carotene on lipid peroxidation in human skin were studied in skin homogenates and in a semi-in vivo model of skin penetration, using [1-14C]-arachidonic acid or [1-14C]-linoleic acid as substrate. When relatively low concentrations (about 0.3 microM) of beta-carotene were added to epidermal homogenates, the major metabolites of arachidonic acid (12-hydroxy-cis-5,8,14, trans-10-eicosatetraenoic acid and 15-hydroxy-cis-5,8,11, trans-13-eicosatetraenoic acid) and of linoleic acid (13-hydroxy-cis-9, trans-11-octadeca dienoic acid and 9-hydroxy-trans-10, cis-12-octadeca dienoic acid) were significantly decreased. Following [1-14C]-linoleic acid penetration through the semi in vivo model layers, the skin surface was the main site in which the major linoleate product, 13-hydroxy-cis-9, trans-11-octadeca dienoic acid was detected. Furthermore, its level was inhibited by up to 80%, compared with the control, when beta-carotene was added to the system. The data presented in this study suggest possible interactions between beta-carotene and human epidermal lipoxygenase. Beta-carotene may effect lipid peroxidation in human skin, either as a free radical scavenger or as a specific lipoxygenase inhibitor.

Divinyl ether synthase from garlic (Allium sativum L.) bulbs: sub-cellular localization and substrate regio-and stereospecificity

Sub-cellular localization and some properties of 13-hydroperoxide-specific divinyl ether synthase from garlic bulbs were studied. Sub-cellular fractions from garlic bulbs were incubated with [1-(14)C](9Z,11E,13S)-13-hydroperoxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid (13-HPOD). The predominant part of divinyl ether synthase activity from garlic bulbs was found in the microsomal fraction. The enzyme utilizes 13(S)-HPOD as its preferential substrate. Other hydroperoxides, including 9(S)-HPOD, gave much poorer yields of divinyl ethers. Unreacted hydroperoxide after incubation of 13(R,S)-HPOD with enzyme was composed of up to 94% 13(R)-HPOD. Thus, divinyl ether synthase possesses stereoselectivity, utilizing preferentially the (S)-enantiomer.

Purification and characterization of linoleate 8-dioxygenase from the fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis as a novel hemoprotein

The fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis, which causes the major root disease of wheat known as "take-all," can metabolize linoleic acid to (8R)-hydroperoxylinoleic acid. The enzyme linoleate 8-dioxygenase abstracts hydrogen and introduces molecular oxygen in an antarafacial way at C-8. We have now purified the enzyme 1000-fold to a specific activity of 1.8 micronol/min/mg of protein. Acetone powder of mycelia of G. graminis was subjected to extraction and ammonium sulfate precipitation with solubilization. The 8-dioxygenase was purified by hydrophobic interaction chromatography, size-exclusion chromatography, anion-exchange chromatography, and immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. The active enzyme appeared to consist of four subunits since the active enzyme had an apparent molecular mass of 520 kDa determined by gel filtration, while SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a protein band of 130 kDa. Spectroscopy indicated the presence of heme. The characteristic pyridine ferrohemochrome alpha-band was found at 557 nm and the beta-band at 525 nm. The purified protein showed an absorption maximum at 408 nm (gamma, Soret). The absorption maximum shifted to 429 nm after reduction with dithionite and to 421 nm after treatment of the reduced enzyme with carbon monoxide. BW A4C, a hydroxamic acid derivative, inhibited the enzyme by >90% at 10 microM. The pH optimum was 7.2-7.4, the isoelectric point was 5.2 by chromatofocusing, and the Km values were 8 microM for linoleic acid and 30 microM for oxygen. We conclude that linoleate 8-dioxygenase appears to be a tetrameric hemoprotein distinct from other fatty-acid dioxygenases.

DIOXYGENASES: Molecular Structure and Role in Plant Metabolism

▪ Abstract  Dioxygenases are nonheme iron-containing enzymes important in the biosynthesis of plant signaling compounds such as abscisic acid, gibberellins, and ethylene and also of secondary metabolites, notably flavonoids and alkaloids. Plant dioxygenases fall into two classes: lipoxygenases and 2-oxoacid-dependent dioxygenases. The latter catalyze hydroxylation, epoxidation, and desaturation reactions; some enzymes catalyze more than one type of reaction in successive steps in a biosynthetic pathway. This review highlights recent discoveries on both enzyme groups, particularly in relation to gibberellin biosynthesis, in vivo activity of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase, and molecular structure/function relationships. Similarities between the roles of monooxygenases and dioxygenases are also discussed.

Uses of biotechnology in modifying plant lipids

This review discusses fatty acid modification of oilseeds with additional emphasis on production of oxygenated derivatives. In a relatively short period, less than a decade, our understanding of the enzymes involved in plant fatty acid synthesis has increased to the point where we understand how they might be used in oilseed modification. Further, through modern molecular biological techniques, the actual genes for many of these important enzymes have been cloned. Use of genetic transformation systems has allowed us to fundamentally alter the normal biosynthetic pathways in highly specific ways, in manners that would be either difficult or impossible using traditional breeding techniques. Alteration of plant lipid biosynthesis is not restricted to using genes from the plants themselves, but interspecies transfer is possible, either from completely unrelated plant species (often of no commercial value but possessing unusual biochemical properties) or from animals, fungi, and prokaryotic organisms. In this way "designer" plants possessing altered metabolism, tailored to the interests or needs of certain industries, nutritionists, and the consumer can be created.

The detection of kinetic intermediates during the unfolding of lipoxygenase-1 by urea or guanidine hydrochloride

The unfolding of lipoxygenase-1 by urea and guanidine hydrochloride has been followed at the optimum pH of enzyme activity. The unfolding of lipoxygenase-1 by urea or guanidine hydrochloride was characterized by equilibrium transition curves for different parameters like (i) enzyme activity, (ii) change in ellipticity values at 222 nm, and (iii) relative fluorescence intensity at 332 nm could not be superimposed. The transition curves displayed more than one plateau region suggesting the presence of stable intermediates during unfolding. At urea concentrations less than 1 M there was no significant loss in activity although loss in secondary structure was approximately 20%. At 4.0 M urea concentration there was complete loss of activity with a midpoint concentration of 2.5 M urea. The loss in secondary structure was biphasic. The first transition had a midpoint concentration of 1.2 M, while the second transition which was complete at 8.0 M urea had a midpoint concentration of 3.5 M urea. The changes in relative fluorescence intensity and shift in emission maximum were complete at 8.0 M urea. The Stern-Volmer constant for acrylamide and potassium iodide did not change at urea concentrations less than 4 M and then at higher concentrations increased. The reactivity of sulfhydryl groups to Ellman's reagent increased during the course of unfolding. The kinetics of unfolding supported the presence of stable intermediates during unfolding. The unfolding was irreversible and complex because of the multidomain nature. The apparent irreversibility could be related to aggregation during unfolding which precluded the determination of thermodynamic parameters.