12-Lipoxygenase isoenzymes in mouse skin tumor development

Biology and pharmacology of platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase in platelets, cancer cells, and their crosstalk

Platelet-type lipoxygenase (pl12-LOX), encoded by ALOX12, catalyzes the production of the lipid mediator 12S-hydroperoxyeicosa-5,8,10,14-tetraenoic acid (12S-HpETE), which is quickly reduced by cellular peroxidases to form 12(S)-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12S-HETE). Platelets express high levels of pl12-LOX and generate considerable amounts of 12S-HETE from arachidonic acid (AA; C20:4, n-6). The development of sensitive chiral liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods has allowed the accurate quantification of 12S-HETE in biological samples. Moreover, advances in the knowledge of the mechanism of action of 12S-HETE have been achieved. The orphan G-protein-coupled receptor 31 (GPR31) has been identified as the high-affinity 12S-HETE receptor. Moreover, upon platelet activation, 12S-HETE is produced, and significant amounts are found esterified to membrane phospholipids (PLs), such as phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC), promoting thrombin generation. Platelets play many roles in cancer metastasis. Among them, the platelets' ability to interact with cancer cells and transfer platelet molecules by the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is noteworthy. Recently, it was found that platelets induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) in cancer cells, a phenomenon known to confer high-grade malignancy, through the transfer of pl12-LOX contained in platelet-derived EVs. These cancer cells now generate 12-HETE, considered a key modulator of cancer metastasis. Interestingly, 12-HETE was mainly found esterified in plasmalogen phospholipids of cancer cells. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the regulation and functions of pl12-LOX in platelets and cancer cells and their crosstalk.Novel approaches to preventing cancer and metastasis by the pharmacological inhibition of pl12-LOX and the internalization of mEVs are discussed.

Antisense overlapping long non-coding RNA regulates coding arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase gene by translational interference

The arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase (ALOX12) enzyme catalyzes polyunsaturated fatty acids and facilitates generation of bioactive lipid mediators associated with various biological processes and disease pathologies. The human genome assembly revealed that the ALOX12 gene overlaps an antisense non-coding gene designated as ALOX12-antisense 1 (ALOX12-AS1). This arrangement indicates that the uncharacterized ALOX12-AS1 long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) may bind to the sense coding ALOX12 mRNA to form an antisense-sense duplex providing the basis of a novel ALOX12 regulatory mechanism. Therefore, this study was designed to determine whether the interaction of ALOX12-AS1 with ALOX12 mRNA functions as an anti-sense/sense duplex-mediated regulatory mechanism controlling the cellular content of ALOX12. Our findings indicate that two major isoforms of ALOX12-AS1 lncRNA are ubiquitously expressed in a variety of primary adult human tissues and different transformed cell types. RNA-FISH revealed cell-type-specific cytosolic as well as nuclear and nucleolar localization of the lncRNA. Interestingly, phorbol ester-induced nucleo-cytoplasmic translocation of the lncRNA in monocytic THP-1 cells resulted in a reduction of ALOX12 protein without a concomitant change in its mRNA level. This indicated ALOX12-AS1 operates via an antisense-sense duplex-mediated translational downregulation mechanism. This deduction was validated by demonstrating sense/antisense duplex formation and an association of the duplex with ribosomal proteins in HEK293 cells. Overall, this study revealed a hitherto unknown mechanism of antisense lncRNA-mediated translational downregulation of ALOX12 that adds to the existing regulatory mechanisms for the modulation of potent bioactive lipid mediators that contribute to both health and disease.

Characterization of Epidermal Lipoxygenase Expression in Normal Human Skin and Tissue-Engineered Skin Substitutes

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are enzymes likely to be involved in corneocyte lipid envelope formation and skin barrier function. In humans, mutations in epidermis-type lipoxygenase 3 ( eLOX-3) and 12R-lipoxygenase ( 12R-LOX) genes are associated with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI), whereas deletion of these genes in mice causes epidermal defects. LOXs also represent a matter of interest in psoriasis as well as in cancer research. However, their expression as well as the exact role of these enzymes in normal human skin have not been fully described. Our goal was to characterize the expression of epidermal LOXs in both normal human skin and Tissue-Engineered Skin Substitutes (TESS) and to consider TESS as a potential model for LOX functional studies. Staining for epidermal differentiation markers and LOXs was performed, in parallel, on normal human skin and TESS. Our results showed similar expression profiles in TESS when compared with native skin for e-LOX3, 12R-LOX, 12S-lipoxygenase (12S-LOX), and 15-lipoxygenase 2 (15-LOX-2) but not for 15-lipoxygenase 1 (15-LOX-1). Because of their appropriate epidermal differentiation and LOX expression, TESS represent an alternative model for future studies on LOX function.

12-Lipoxygenase and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid regulate hypoxic angiogenesis and survival of pulmonary artery endothelial cells via PI3K/Akt pathway

Dysfunction and injury of endothelial cells play critical roles in pulmonary arterial hypertension, including aberrant proliferation, suppressed apoptosis, and excessive angiogenesis. The 12-lipoxygenase and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid pathway, which has been considered as a crucial mediator, elevates pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure. However, the mechanisms underlying the bioactivity of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in pulmonary vasculature, especially in endothelial cells, are still elusive. Thus we aim to determine the key role of 12-lipoxygenase/12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in angiogenesis and survival of pulmonary artery endothelial cells and ascertain the signaling pathways participating in the pathological process. Here we establish that hypoxia increases the formation of endogenous 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid through stimulation of 12-lipoxygenase. Furthermore, we put forward new information that 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid promotes endothelial cell migration and tube formation, whereas it inhibits the serum deprivation-induced apoptotic responses under hypoxia. Particularly, the regulatory effects of 12-lipoxygenase/12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid on pulmonary artery endothelial cells, at least in part, depend on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling activation. Taken together, these results may have significant implications for understanding of pulmonary hypertension and offer a potential therapeutic concept focusing on the 12-lipoxygenase/12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid signaling system.

The role of lipoxygenases in epidermis

Lipoxygenases (LOX) are key enzymes in the biosynthesis of a variety of highly active oxylipins which act as signaling molecules involved in the regulation of many biological processes. LOX are also able to oxidize complex lipids and modify membrane structures leading to structural changes that play a role in the maturation and terminal differentiation of various cell types. The mammalian skin represents a tissue with highly abundant and diverse LOX metabolism. Individual LOX isozymes are thought to play a role in the modulation of epithelial proliferation and/or differentiation as well as in inflammation, wound healing, inflammatory skin diseases and cancer. Emerging evidence indicates a structural function of a particular LOX pathway in the maintenance of skin permeability barrier. Loss-of-function mutations in the LOX genes ALOX12B and ALOXE3 have been found to represent the second most common cause of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis and targeted disruption of the corresponding LOX genes in mice resulted in neonatal death due to a severely impaired permeability barrier function. Recent data indicate that LOX action in barrier function can be traced back to the oxygenation of linoleate-containing ceramides which constitutes an important step in the formation of the corneocyte lipid envelope. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled The Important Role of Lipids in the Epidermis and their Role in the Formation and Maintenance of the Cutaneous Barrier. Guest Editors: Kenneth R. Feingold and Peter Elias.

Eicosanoids in tumor progression and metastasis

Eicosanoids and the enzymes responsible for their generation in living systems are involved in the mediation of multiple physiological and pathophysiological responses. These bioactive metabolites are part of complex cascades that initiate and perpetuate several disease processes such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer. The intricate role played by each of these metabolites in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of solid tumors has been a subject of intense research in the scientific community. This review summarizes some of the key aspects of eicasonoids and the associated enzymes, and the pathways they mediate in promoting tumor progression and metastasis.

Platelet 12-lipoxygenase Arg261Gln polymorphism: functional characterization and association with risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in combination with COX-2 polymorphisms

BACKGROUND

Aberrant arachidonic acid metabolism by 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been implicated in human carcinogenesis. Inherited polymorphisms in 12-LOX and COX-2 contributed to differential expression or activity of these enzymes might confer interindividual susceptibility to cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the functional significance of 12-LOX 261 Arg> Gln polymorphism and its association, alone and in combination with COX-2 -1195G > A and -765G > C polymorphisms, with risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS

The platelet 12-LOX activity was measured by quantifying 12-HETE in the lipoxygenation reaction. Genotypes of 12-LOX261Arg>Gln and COX-2 -1195G>A and -765G>C polymorphisms were determined in a case-control study consisting of 1026 patients and 1270 controls. Associations with the risk of ESCC were estimated by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Subjects with the 12-LOX Gln/Gln genotype had higher platelet 12-LOX activity (mean+/-SEM nmol/mg/min) than those with the Arg/Arg genotype (0.405+/-0.047 [n=10] versus 0.136+/-0.022 [n=6]; P=0.001). Genotyping data showed that the 12-LOX Gln/Gln genotype was associated with increased risk of developing ESCC (odds ratio [OR]=1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.12-1.81), compared with the Arg/Arg genotype adjusted for sex, age, and smoking. An increased risk of ESCC was also associated with the COX-2 -1195GA (OR=1.34, 95% CI=1.08-1.68; P=0.008), -1195AA (OR=1.72, 95% CI=1.35-2.20; P=<0.001), and -765GC (OR=2.24, 95% CI=1.59-3.16; P<0.001) genotypes. Furthermore, a multiplicative interaction between the 12-LOX Gln/Gln and COX-2 -1195AA or -765GC genotype in intensifying risk of ESCC was observed, with the ORs for the presence of both 12-LOX Gln/Gln and COX-2 -1195AA or -765GC genotypes being 3.21 (95% CI=1.93-5.34) and 3.33 (95% CI=1.59-6.98). A multiplicative interaction between the -765GC genotype and smoking was also evident (OR=4.45, 95% CI=2.71-7.29).

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest that inherited polymorphisms in arachidonic acid-metabolizing enzymes, which result in heightened gene expression or enzymatic activity, may confer host susceptibility to ESCC.

Assessing 12(S)-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity using colorectal cancer cells overexpressing the enzyme

12(S)-Lipoxygenase (LOX) is regarded as a pro-tumorigenic enzyme and as a potential target for therapy and prevention of cancer so that the search for specific 12(S)-LOX inhibitors is part of drug development strategies. To facilitate the identification of specific 12(S)-LOX inhibitors we have created an assay cell line by introducing a12(S)-LOX expression vector into SW480 colorectal cancer cells. When arachidonic acid was supplied in the medium both transiently and stably overexpressing cells produced 12(S)-hydroxytetraenic acid (HETE) originating from the transfected gene at 4-5-fold the amount obtained from control transfectants. 12(S)-HETE production was 1913.7+/-17.2pg/ml and reached a steady state level 24h after addition of arachidonic acid. To demonstrate the models suitability of 12(S)-LOX overexpressing SW480 cells they were used to measure the inhibitory activity of the plant phenols baicalein, kaempferol, quercetin, nordihydroguaretic acid and resveratrol which are known for their chemopreventive as well as LOX-inhibitory activity in different tumour models. All 5 compounds inhibited 12(S)-HETE production at concentrations below those necessary for growth inhibition.

What are cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases doing in the driver's seat of carcinogenesis?

Substantial evidence supports a functional role for cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase-catalyzed arachidonic and linoleic acid metabolism in cancer development. Genetic intervention studies firmly established cause-effect relations for cyclooxygenase-2, but cyclooxygenase-1 may also be involved. In addition, pharmacologic cyclooxygenase inhibition was found to suppress carcinogenesis in both experimental mouse models and several cancers in humans. Arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoid or linoleic acid-derived hydro[peroxy]fatty acid signaling are likely to be involved impacting fundamental biologic phenomena as diverse as cell growth, cell survival, angiogenesis, cell invasion, metastatic potential and immunomodulation. However, long chain unsaturated fatty acid oxidation reactions indicate antipodal functions of distinct lipoxygenase isoforms in carcinogenesis, i.e., the 5- and platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase exhibit procarcinogenic activities, while 15-lipoxygenase-1 and 15-lipoxygenase-2 may suppress carcinogenesis.

Non-COX-2 targets and cancer: Expanding the molecular target repertoire of chemoprevention

Chemoprevention represents a highly promising approach for the control of cancer. That nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prevent colon and other cancers has led to novel approaches to cancer prevention. The known inhibitory effect of NSAIDs on the eicosanoid pathway prompted mechanistic and drug development work focusing on cyclooxygenase (COX), culminating in clinical trials of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors for cancer prevention or treatment. However, two COX-2 inhibitors have been withdrawn due to side effects. Here we review several pathways of the eicosanoid cascade that are relevant to cancer; summarize the evidence regarding the role of COX-2 as a target for cancer prevention; and discuss several of the molecular targets that may mediate the chemopreventive effect of NSAIDs. The clinically modest results obtained to date with COX-2 specific inhibitors used in cancer prevention; the multiple COX-2-independent targets of both NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors; and the limitations of some COX-2 inhibitors indicate that exploiting these (non-COX-2) molecular targets will likely yield effective new approaches for cancer chemoprevention.

Characterization of a Mouse Second Leukotriene B4 Receptor, mBLT2

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent chemoattractant and activator for granulocytes and macrophages and is considered to be an inflammatory mediator. Two G-protein-coupled receptors for LTB4, BLT1 and BLT2, have been cloned from human and shown to be high and low affinity LTB4 receptors, respectively. To reveal the biological roles of BLT2 using mouse disease models, we cloned and characterized mouse BLT2. Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing mouse BLT2 exhibited specific binding to LTB4, LTB4-induced calcium mobilization, inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase. We found that Compound A (4'-{[pentanoyl (phenyl) amino] methyl}-1, 1'-biphenyl-2-carboxylic acid) was a BLT2-selective agonist and induced Ca(2+) mobilization and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase through BLT2, whereas it had no effect on BLT1. 12-epi LTB4 exhibited a partial agonistic activity against mBLT1 and mBLT2, whereas 6-trans-12-epi LTB4 did not. Northern blot analysis showed that mouse BLT2 is expressed highly in small intestine and skin in contrast to the ubiquitous expression of human BLT2. By in situ hybridization and the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, we demonstrated that mouse BLT2 is expressed in follicular and interfollicular keratinocytes. Compound A, LTB4, and 12-epi LTB4 all induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in primary mouse keratinocytes. Furthermore, Compound A and LTB4 induced chemotaxis in primary mouse keratinocytes. These data suggest the presence of functional BLT2 in primary keratinocytes.

Differential gene expression in epidermis of mice sensitive and resistant to phorbol ester skin tumor promotion

Previous data from two-stage carcinogenesis studies in mouse skin demonstrated that genetic control of susceptibility to skin tumor promotion by the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), in crosses between susceptible DBA/2J and resistant C57BL/6J mice is a multigenic trait. Utilizing a cDNA microarray approach, we compared global gene expression profiles in the epidermis of these two mouse strains treated with TPA or vehicle (acetone). Gene expression in the epidermis was analyzed after the treatment to identify global effects of TPA, as well as potential candidate genes that modify susceptibility to skin tumor promotion. DBA/2J and C57BL/6J mice were treated topically four times with 3.4 nmol TPA or acetone over a 2-wk period, and RNA was extracted from epidermis 6 h after the final treatment. Labeled cDNA generated from each group was hybridized to commercial cDNA microarrays (Agilent) containing more than 8000 targets. More than 450 genes were significantly influenced, directly or indirectly, by TPA treatment in the epidermis of either strain. Notably, 44 genes exhibited differential expression between the tumor promotion sensitive and resistant mouse strains. Several genes that were differentially expressed in DBA/2J versus C57BL/6J epidermis after TPA treatment were located in chromosomal regions linked to TPA promotion susceptibility. Three genes, Gsta4, Nmes1 (MGC58382), and Serpinb2, located within promotion susceptibility loci Psl1 (chr 9), Psl2 (chr 2), and Psl3 (chr 1), respectively, were identified in this analysis as potential candidates for modifiers of susceptibility to skin tumor promotion by TPA.

Identification and Characterization of a Phorbol Ester-responsive Element in the Murine 8S-Lipoxygenase Gene

Murine 8S-lipoxygenase (8S-LOX) is a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-inducible lipoxygenase. That is, it is not detected in normal mouse skin, however, a significant increase in expression is detected in the skin of TPA promotion-sensitive strains of mice after TPA treatment. In this study, we found TPA-induced 8S-LOX mRNA expression is a result of increased transcription in SSIN primary keratinocytes and further investigated transcriptional regulation of 8S-LOX expression by cloning its promoter. The cloned 8S-LOX promoter ( approximately 2 kb) in which a transcription initiation site was mapped at -27 from the ATG has neither a TATA box nor a CCAAT box. However, the promoter was highly responsive to TPA in TPA promotion-sensitive SSIN but not in TPA promotion-resistant C57BL/6J primary keratinocytes. We then identified a Sp1 binding site located -77 to -68 from the ATG that is a TPA-responsive element (TRE) of the promoter and that Sp1, Sp2, and Sp3 proteins bind to the TRE. We also found that the binding of these proteins to the TRE was significantly increased by TPA treatment and inhibition of the binding by mithramycin A decreased TPA-induced promoter activity as well as 8S-LOX mRNA expression. These data suggest that increased binding of Sp1, Sp2, and Sp3 to the TRE of the 8S-LOX promoter is a mechanism by which TPA induces 8S-LOX expression in keratinocytes.

Inhibition of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-mediated keratinocyte differentiation by lipoxygenase inhibitors

Lipoxygenase (LOX) metabolites from arachidonic acid and linoleic acid have been implicated in atherosclerosis, inflammation, keratinocyte differentiation and tumour progression. We previously showed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play a role in keratinocyte differentiation and that the PPARalpha ligand 8S-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid is important in this process. We hypothesized that blocking LOX activity would block PPAR-mediated keratinocyte differentiation. Three LOX inhibitors, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, quercetin and morin, were studied for their effects on primary keratinocyte differentiation and PPAR activity. All three LOX inhibitors blocked calcium-induced expression of the differentiation marker keratin 1. In addition, activity of a PPAR-responsive element was inhibited in the presence of all three inhibitors, and this effect was mediated primarily through PPARalpha and PPARgamma. LOX inhibitors decreased the activity of a chimaeric PPAR-Gal4-ligand-binding domain reporter system and this effect was reversed by addition of PPAR ligands. Ligand-binding studies revealed that the LOX inhibitors bind directly to PPARs and demonstrate a novel mechanism for these inhibitors in altering PPAR-mediated gene expression.

Hepoxilin B3 and its enzymatically formed derivative trioxilin B3 are incorporated into phospholipids in psoriatic lesions

In previous studies we observed that normal human epidermis forms 12-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-oxo-ETE) and hepoxilin B3 (HxB3) as major eicosanoids, both being elevated in psoriasis. We also observed that normal epidermis, in a reaction probably catalyzed by 12-lipoxygenase, only synthesize one of the two possible 10-hydroxy epimers of HxB3. We have now extended these previous studies investigating further transformation of HxB3 into trioxilin B3 (TrXB3) and esterification of both into phospholipids. Phospholipids were extracted from normal epidermis and from psoriatic scales. A combination of high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated the occurrence of HxB3 and TrXB3 in the phospholipids of psoriatic lesions. Alkaline- and phospholipase-A2-mediated hydrolysis of the phospholipids yielded similar quantities of both HxB3 and TrXB3 indicating their preference for the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids. The thin layer chromatography analysis of the phospholipid classes after incubation of epidermal cells with [14C]-labeled HxB3, TrXB3, 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), 12-oxo-ETE, or 15-HETE showed that 12-HETE was the most esterified (12-HETE >15-HETE > TrXB3 > 12-oxo-ETE > HxB3). HxB3 and TrXB3 were mainly esterified in phosphatidyl-choline and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine. HxB3 was also enzymatically converted into TrXB3 in vitro. HxB3 epoxide hydrolase-like activity was not observed when boiled tissue was incubated with [14C]-HxB3, this activity being located in the cytosol fraction (100,000 x g supernatant) of fresh tissue. These findings suggest that in vivo some part of HxB3 is transformed into TrXB3 and both compounds are partially incorporated into the phospholipids.

Monohydroxylated fatty acid content in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and immune status of people at long times after the Chernobyl accident

The monohydroxylated fatty acid content of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 23 cleanup workers and 16 unexposed individuals was studied in relation to their immune status after the Chernobyl accident. Men with absorbed doses below 0.32 Gy showed higher levels of free and esterified 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) than unexposed men, whereas 15-HETE and the 17-hydroxy derivative of C22 fatty acid (17-OH 22), either free or esterified in phospholipids, were increased in a dose-dependent manner. The percentage of CD4-positive cells was also increased significantly in heavily irradiated men, whereas the percentage of CD8-positive cells tended to decrease with dose. Furthermore, the absolute count of CD4-positive cells was correlated positively with the amount of esterified 15-HETE in the phospholipid fraction of the mononuclear cells and with the total 15-HETE. These results show for the first time that the accumulation of autoxidized/lipoxygenase products of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the mononuclear cells of irradiated individuals was associated with immune imbalance. This may be the basis for certain late effects of radiation such as autoimmune disorders, somatic and neoplastic diseases, and early aging.

Detection and cellular localization of 12R-lipoxygenase in human tonsils

Formation of the 12R-lipoxygenase product, 12R-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12R-HPETE), has been detected previously only in human skin (Boeglin et al. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95, 6744). The unexpected appearance of an EST sequence (AA649213) for human 12R-lipoxygenase from germinal center B lymphocytes purified from human tonsils prompted our search for the existence of the enzyme in this novel source. Incubation of [1-14C]arachidonic acid with homogenates of human tonsillar tissue yielded mixtures of radiolabeled 12-HETE and 15-HETE. Stereochemical analysis showed varying ratios of 12S- and 12R-HETE, while 15-HETE was exclusively of the S-configuration. Using stereospecifically labeled [10S-3H]- and [10R-3H]arachidonic acid substrates we detected pro-R hydrogen abstraction at carbon 10 associated with formation of 12R-HETE. This mechanistic evidence implicates a 12R-lipoxygenase in the biosynthesis of 12R-HETE. The mRNA for the enzyme was identified in tonsils by RT-PCR and Northern analysis. The cellular distribution was established by in situ hybridization. Unexpectedly, hybridization was not observed in the lymphocytes of the germinal centers. Specific reaction was restricted to squamous epithelial cells, including the epithelium lining the tonsillar crypts. In this location the 12R-lipoxygenase might help regulate differentiation of the epithelium or participate in lymphocyte- epithelial cell interactions.

A Gene Cluster Encoding Human Epidermis-type Lipoxygenases at Chromosome 17p13.1: Cloning, Physical Mapping, and Expression

Epidermis-type lipoxygenases, a distinct subclass within the multigene family of mammalian lipoxygenases (LOX), comprise recently discovered novel isoenzymes isolated from human and mouse skin including human 15-LOX-2, human and mouse 12R-LOX, mouse 8S-LOX, and mouse e-LOX-3. We have isolated the human homologue of mouse e-LOX-3. The cDNA of 3362 bp encodes a 711-amino-acid protein displaying 89% sequence identity with the mouse protein and exhibiting the same unusual structural feature, i.e., an extra segment of 41 amino acids, which can be located beyond the N-terminal beta-barrel domain at the surface of the C-terminal catalytic domain. The gene encoding e-LOX-3, ALOXE3, was found to be part of a gene cluster of approximately 100 kb on human chromosome 17p13.1 containing in addition the 12R-LOX gene, ALOX12B, the 15-LOX-2 gene, ALOX15B, and a novel 15-LOX pseudogene, ALOX15P. ALOXE3 and ALOX12B are arranged in a head-to-tail fashion separated by 8.5 kb. The genes are split into 15 exons and 14 introns spanning 22 and 15 kb, respectively. ALOX15P was found on the opposite DNA strand directly adjacent to the 3'-untranslated region of ALOX12B. ALOX15B is located in the same orientation 25 kb downstream of ALOX12B, and is composed of 14 exons and 13 introns spanning a total of 9.7 kb of genomic sequence. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated a predominant expression of ALOXE3, ALOX12B, and ALOX15B in skin.

Enzymic characterization of epidermis-derived 12-lipoxygenase isoenzymes

Substrate selectivity and other enzymic characteristics of two epidermis-derived lipoxygenases (LOXs), the epidermis-type (e) (12S)-LOX and (12R)-LOX, were compared with those of the platelet-type (p) (12S)-LOX. In contrast with p(12S)-LOX, e(12S)-LOX and (12R)-LOX exhibited no or very low reactivity towards the customary substrates linoleic acid and arachidonic acid but metabolized the corresponding fatty acid methyl esters, which, in contrast, were not accepted as substrates by p(12S)-LOX. Other esters of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid, including propan-2-yl and cholesterol esters, 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, and ceramide 1 carrying an omega-linoleic acid ester, were not metabolized by these three LOX isoenzymes. Among various polyunsaturated fatty acids the isomeric eicosatrienoic acids were found to be oxygenated by e(12S)-LOX but not by (12R)-LOX. 4,7,10,13,16,19-Docosahexaenoic acid as a substrate was restricted to p(12S)-LOX. Variations in the pH and the Ca(2+) content of the incubation medium affected the catalytic potential only slightly. Whereas (12R)-LOX activity increased in the presence of Ca(2+) and with an acidic pH, Ca(2+) had no effect on p(12S)-LOX and e(12S)-LOX; an acidic pH decreased the catalytic activity of the latter two. However, the catalytic activity of the epidermis-type isoenzymes, but not of p(12S)-LOX, was found to be markedly increased in the presence of DMSO. Under these conditions, e(12S)-LOX and (12R)-LOX oxygenated 4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid to 14-hydroxy-4,7,10,12,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid and 13-hydroxy-4,7,10,14,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid respectively. In addition, (9R)-hydroxyoctadeca-10,12-dienoic acid methyl ester was generated from linoleic acid methyl ester by (12R)-LOX. Independently of the substrate, the catalytic activity of e(12S)-LOX and (12R)-LOX was always at most 2% of that of p(12S)-LOX with arachidonic acid as substrate.

The role of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase in cancer chemoprevention

The involvement of prostaglandins (PGs) and other eicosanoids in the development of human cancer has been known for over two decades. Importantly, an increase in PG synthesis may influence tumor growth in human beings and experimental animals, and numerous studies have illustrated the effect of PG synthesis on carcinogen metabolism, tumor cell proliferation and metastatic potential. PGs produced by cyclooxygenases (COXs) are represented by a large series of compounds that mainly enhance cancer development and progression, acting as carcinogens or tumor promoters, with profound effects on carcinogenesis. Further investigations suggest that arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites derived from lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways play an important role in growth-related signal transduction, implying that intervention through these pathways should be useful for arresting cancer progression. We discuss here the implications of COX and LOX in colon, pancreatic, breast, prostate, lung, skin, urinary bladder and liver cancers. Select inhibitors of COX and LOX are described, including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), selective COX-2 inhibitors, curcumin, tea, silymarin and resveratrol, as well as a method useful for evaluating inhibitors of COX. Although a substantial amount of additional work is required to yield a better understanding of the role of COX and LOX in cancer chemoprevention, it is clear that beneficial therapeutic effects can be realized through drug-mediated modulation of these metabolic pathways.

Bovine papillomavirus oncoprotein E5 affects the arachidonic acid metabolism in cells

The bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1) oncoprotein encoded by the E5 ORF is a small highly hydrophobic protein, which is capable of inducing oncogenic transformation of cells. We studied the effect of the BPV-1 E5 protein expression on the arachidonic acid metabolism in monkey (COS1) and human (C33A) cells. At relatively low protein concentrations the phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activity and the arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism are activated. E5 mutant proteins, lacking cysteines responsible for the dimerisation of the protein (C37S, C37SC39S), and truncated E5, lacking the C-terminal region, are non-transforming and unable to stimulate the PLA(2) activity and AA metabolism. The transformation-defective mutant D33V, which does not activate the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), activates AA metabolism like wt E5. Our data suggest that the BPV-1 E5 protein could stimulate the AA metabolism independently of PDGF receptor.

Role of 'platelet-type' 12-lipoxygenase in skin carcinogenesis

Murine and human skin express an abundance of lipoxygenase isoforms whose functions are not understood. Substantial data have implicated a role for the 'platelet-type' 12-lipoxygenase (P-12LO) metabolite, 12(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), in a variety of tumor functions. Using P-12LO deficient mice, we sought to examine the role of the P-12LO pathway in tumor initiation and progression. Two distinct genetic strains of P-12LO deficient and wild-type mice, B6/129 Sv and SENCAR, were evaluated in two-stage carcinogenesis experiments. Carcinoma incidence was significantly reduced in the P-12LO deficient mice of the B6/129 Sv background but not the SENCAR-backcrossed mice. In contrast, papilloma incidence was reduced on the SENCAR background but not in the B6/129 Sv strain mice. A separate experiment employing a complete carcinogenesis protocol failed to find any difference in papilloma or carcinoma incidence. Overall, these data suggest that the P-12LO pathway may contribute to tumor incidence and progression in two-stage, but not complete, carcinogenesis, depending on the genetic background.

A causal relationship between unscheduled eicosanoid signaling and tumor development: cancer chemoprevention by inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism

Cancer results from disturbances of cellular signal transduction and data processing at the genetic and epigenetic level. In the early phase of the disease these disturbances are mainly caused by environmental toxic agents, i.e. genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogens, whereas endogenous agents derived from dys-regulated metabolic reactions may take over this role at later stages, thereby leading to a state of 'genetic instability' and 'growth autonomy'. Among these metabolic reactions becoming dys-regulated in the course of tumorigenesis, eicosanoid biosynthesis from arachidonic acid seems to play a particular role. A steadily increasing body of evidence indicates a causal relationship between cancer development and an abnormal overexpression of eicosanoid-forming enzymes, i.e. cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases, in a wide variety of human and animal tumors. This overexpression seems to result from disturbances of cellular signaling cascades such as the Ras-Raf-MAPkinase cascade due to oncogenic gene mutations. Presently, research is focussed on the proinflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) the pathological overexpression of which has been found to be related to key events of tumor promotion such as cellular hyperproliferation, inhibition of programmed cell death, and tumor angiogenesis. In the mouse skin model of multistage carcinogenesis COX-2-derived prostaglandin F(2alpha) has been indentified as an endogenous tumor promoter. Moreover, genotoxic byproducts of both cylooxygenase and lipoxygenase-catalyzed arachidonic acid metabolism (such as active oxygen species, free radicals etc.) are suspected to contribute to 'genetic instability' and thus to malignant progression of tumor cells. The enzymes of eicosanoid biosynthesis rank therefore among the most attractive targets for cancer chernoprevention. In fact, both nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, i.e. non-specific COX inhibitors, and isozyme-specific COX-2 inhibitors have been shown to inhibit experimental and human cancer development, in the latter case in particular in the large bowel. Beside their role as indicators of neoplastic development eicosanoids may be also used as reporters of skin irritation. Based to this concept an in vitro test system for skin toxicity has been developed in which the release of arachidonic acid and interleukin-1alpha, i.e. two key mediators of acute inflammation, from a human keratinocyte cell line is measured. The excellent correlation found between this mediator release and the effects of various chemical irritants on human skin in vivo indicates that, in the near future, this and related methods may help to do without animal experiments in toxicological testing.

Potential use of lipoxygenase inhibitors for cancer chemoprevention

Increasing evidence suggests that lipoxygenase (LO)-catalysed metabolites have a profound influence on the development and progression of human cancers. Compared with normal tissues, significantly elevated levels of LO products have been found in breast tumours, colon cancers, lung, skin and prostate cancers, as well as in cells from patients with both acute and chronic leukaemias. LO-mediated products elicit diverse biological activities needed for neoplastic cell growth, influencing growth factor and transcription factor activation, oncogene induction, stimulation of tumour cell adhesion and regulation of apoptotic cell death. Agents that block LO catalytic activity may be effective in preventing cancer by interfering with signalling events needed for tumour growth. In the past ten years, pharmaceuticals agents that specifically inhibit the 5-LO metabolic pathway have been developed to treat inflammatory diseases such as asthma, arthritis and psoriasis. Some of these compounds possess anti-oxidant properties and may be effective in preventing cancer by blocking free radical-induced genetic damage or by preventing the metabolic activation of carcinogens. Other compounds may work by negatively modulating DNA synthesis. Pharmacological profiles of potential chemopreventive agents are compiled from enzyme assays, in vitro testing (e.g., cell proliferation inhibition in human cancer cells) and in vivo animal carcinogenesis models (e.g., N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced rat mammary cancer, benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung tumours in strain A/J mice and hormone-induced prostate tumours in rats). In this way, compounds are identified for chemoprevention trials in human subjects. Based on currently available data, it is expected that the prevention of lung and prostate cancer will be initially studied in human trials of LO inhibitors.

Diversity of mouse lipoxygenases: identification of a subfamily of epidermal isozymes exhibiting a differentiation-dependent mRNA expression pattern

By using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technology (RT-PCR) and Northern blot analysis, the tissue-specific mRNA expression patterns of seven mouse lipoxygenases (LOX)--including 5S-, 8S-, three isoforms of 12S-, 12R-LOX, and a LOX of an as-of-yet unknown specificity, epidermis-type LOX-3 (e-LOX-3)--were investigated in NMRI mice. Among the various tissues tested epidermis and forestomach were found to express the broadest spectrum of LOX. With the exception of 5S- and platelet-type 12S-LOX (p12S-LOX) the remaining LOX showed a preference to exclusive expression in stratifying epithelia of the mouse, in particular the integumental epidermis. The expression of the individual LOX in mouse epidermis was found to depend on the state of terminal differentiation of the keratinocytes. mRNA of epidermis-type 12S-LOX (e12S-LOX) was detected in all layers of neonatal and adult NMRI mouse skin, whereas expression of p12S-LOX, 12R-LOX, and e-LOX-3 was restricted to suprabasal epidermal layers of neonatal and adult mice. 8S-LOX mRNA showed a body-site-dependent expression in that it was detected in stratifying epithelia of footsole and forestomach but not in back skin epidermis. In the latter, 8S-LOX mRNA was strongly induced upon treatment with phorbol esters. With the exception of e12S-LOX and p12S-LOX, the isozymes that are preferentially expressed in stratifying epithelia are structurally related and may be grouped together into a distinct subgroup of epidermis-type LOX.

Eicosanoid regulation of angiogenesis: role of endothelial arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase

Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillaries from preexisting blood vessels, is a multistep, highly orchestrated process involving vessel sprouting, endothelial cell migration, proliferation, tube differentiation, and survival. Eicosanoids, arachidonic acid (AA)-derived metabolites, have potent biologic activities on vascular endothelial cells. Endothelial cells can synthesize various eicosanoids, including the 12-lipoxygenase (LOX) product 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE). Here we demonstrate that endogenous 12-LOX is involved in endothelial cell angiogenic responses. First, the 12-LOX inhibitor, N-benzyl-N-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanamide (BHPP), reduced endothelial cell proliferation stimulated either by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Second, 12-LOX inhibitors blocked VEGF-induced endothelial cell migration, and this blockage could be partially reversed by the addition of 12(S)-HETE. Third, pretreatment of an angiogenic endothelial cell line, RV-ECT, with BHPP significantly inhibited the formation of tubelike/cordlike structures within Matrigel. Fourth, overexpression of 12-LOX in the CD4 endothelial cell line significantly stimulated cell migration and tube differentiation. In agreement with the critical role of 12-LOX in endothelial cell angiogenic responses in vitro, the 12-LOX inhibitor BHPP significantly reduced bFGF-induced angiogenesis in vivo using a Matrigel implantation bioassay. These findings demonstrate that AA metabolism in endothelial cells, especially the 12-LOX pathway, plays a critical role in angiogenesis.

Eicosanoid regulation of angiogenesis: role of endothelial arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase

Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillaries from preexisting blood vessels, is a multistep, highly orchestrated process involving vessel sprouting, endothelial cell migration, proliferation, tube differentiation, and survival. Eicosanoids, arachidonic acid (AA)-derived metabolites, have potent biologic activities on vascular endothelial cells. Endothelial cells can synthesize various eicosanoids, including the 12-lipoxygenase (LOX) product 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE). Here we demonstrate that endogenous 12-LOX is involved in endothelial cell angiogenic responses. First, the 12-LOX inhibitor, N-benzyl-N-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanamide (BHPP), reduced endothelial cell proliferation stimulated either by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Second, 12-LOX inhibitors blocked VEGF-induced endothelial cell migration, and this blockage could be partially reversed by the addition of 12(S)-HETE. Third, pretreatment of an angiogenic endothelial cell line, RV-ECT, with BHPP significantly inhibited the formation of tubelike/cordlike structures within Matrigel. Fourth, overexpression of 12-LOX in the CD4 endothelial cell line significantly stimulated cell migration and tube differentiation. In agreement with the critical role of 12-LOX in endothelial cell angiogenic responses in vitro, the 12-LOX inhibitor BHPP significantly reduced bFGF-induced angiogenesis in vivo using a Matrigel implantation bioassay. These findings demonstrate that AA metabolism in endothelial cells, especially the 12-LOX pathway, plays a critical role in angiogenesis.

Stereoselective biosynthesis of hepoxilin B3 in human epidermis

We previously reported that normal human epidermis forms 12-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid and hepoxilin B3 as major eicosanoids and that hepoxilins and trioxilins are dramatically elevated in psoriatic lesions. We also observed that normal epidermis only synthesized one of the two possible 10-hydroxy- epimers of hepoxilin B3, suggesting its enzymatic origin. This study investigated the enzymatic pathways involved in the formation of hepoxilin B3 in human epidermis. Human epidermal fragments or cell fractions were incubated with [14C]-arachidonic acid or authentic 12(S)-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Products were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or a combination of both techniques. Esculetin and nordihydroguaiaretic acid inhibited formation of hepoxilin B3, 12-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid, trioxilins, and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in a concentration-dependent manner. 12-Lipoxygenase activity was mainly located in the microsomal fraction (100,000 x g pellet) and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, hepoxilin B3, and 12-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid were formed. The hepoxilin B3-synthesizing activity was not observed in subcellular fractions incubated with authentic 12(S)-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid, although it was located at least in the microsomal fraction when incubated with arachidonic acid. Similar results were obtained using preparations of recombinant platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase that yielded 12-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid and hepoxilin B3 in addition to 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, when incubated with arachidonic acid but not when incubated with 12-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Nevertheless, recombinant 12-lipoxygenase produced a lower ratio of 12-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid and hepoxilin B3-12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid than epidermis. Our results support the concept that 12-lipoxygenase catalyzes the formation of hepoxilin B3 and 12-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid.

Cancer chemoprevention through interruption of multistage carcinogenesis. The lessons learnt by comparing mouse skin carcinogenesis and human large bowel cancer

Whilst in the early stages, neoplastic development is predominantly triggered by environmental genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogens, tumour progression becomes more and more autonomous at later stages. In this context a dysregulation of arachidonic acid metabolism seems to play a disastrous role. Conversely, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) rank among the most potent and most promising agents for cancer chemoprevention probably because of their ability to inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis, in particular, at the level of the 'pro-inflammatory' enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). A pathological overexpression of COX-2 resulting in excessive prostaglandin production has been found already in early stages of carcinogenesis and seems to be a consistent feature of neoplastic development in a wide variety of tissues. COX-2 overexpression is thought to occur along signalling pathways of inflammation and tissue repair which become activated in the course of tumour promotion and, due to autocrine and auto-stimulatory mechanisms, finally lead to some autonomy of tumour development (self-promotion). Prostaglandins formed along a dysregulated COX pathway have been shown to mediate tumour promotion in animal experiments and may play a role, in addition, in other processes involved in tumour growth such as angiogenesis, metastasis and immunosuppression. Moreover, genotoxic byproducts such as organic free radicals, reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde produced in the course of prostanoid biosynthesis may contribute to genetic instability (mutator phenotype) of neoplastic cells thereby promoting malignant progression. Such mixtures of physiologically highly active mediators and genotoxic byproducts are, in addition, formed along the various lipoxygenase-catalysed pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism some of which also become dysregulated during tumour development and, therefore, provide novel targets of future chemopreventive approaches.

cDNA cloning, genomic structure, and chromosomal localization of a novel murine epidermis-type lipoxygenase

Using a combination of degenerate PCR technique and conventional screening procedures, we isolated a cDNA encoding a novel lipoxygenase, termed epidermis-type lipoxygenase-3 (e-LOX-3, gene symbol Aloxe3), from mouse skin. Aloxe3 mRNA is expressed in the stratified epithelia of skin, tongue, and forestomach. The cDNA encodes a protein of 711 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 80.6 kDa. The amino acid sequence shows approximately 54% identity to the recently identified 12(R)-lipoxygenase. Sequence comparison revealed a segment of 41 amino acid residues localized near the boundary between the N- and the C-terminal domain sequences of the molecule, a structural feature that is also characteristic of 12(R)-lipoxygenase, suggesting that these two epidermis-derived lipoxygenases may be members of a novel structural class of mammalian lipoxygenases. The novel lipoxygenase gene is divided into 15 exons and 14 introns, spanning 22.3 kb of genomic DNA. By interspecific backcross analysis, the novel gene was localized to the central region of mouse chromosome 11.

Metabolic targets of cancer chemoprevention: interruption of tumor development by inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism

Tumor promotion is understood as a process that favors the clonal outgrowth of single mutated (initiated) cells to premalignant lesions through co-mitogenic and anti-apoptotic effects. This process can be evoked by repeated induction of a regenerative tissue response as achieved either by irritation and wounding or by agents (tumor promoters) that interact with the corresponding pathways of cellular signaling. Metabolic processes regulated by such pathways and essential for tumor development are potential targets of cancer chemoprevention. Examples are provided by the expression of ornithine decarboxylase and the activation of eicosanoid formation from arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid metabolism is a particularly attractive and important target of chemopreventive measures. Its induction is a characteristic response to tissue damage and irritation and an apparently critical event in epithelial tumor promotion. Inhibitors of eicosanoid formation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rank among the most powerful chemopreventive agents in animal models and have been shown to halve the incidence of colorectal cancer in man. Recently, the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-catalyzed prostaglandin synthesis has been the subject of much attention. COX-2 is a typical 'emergency enzyme', since in most tissues it is transiently induced only in the course of repair and defense reactions. In epithelial neoplasia, i.e. in skin and colorectal tumors, the enzyme is constitutively overexpressed along different molecular pathways, and it seems to be critically involved in tumor promotion. Consequently, specific COX-2 inhibitors have been shown to exhibit considerable cancer chemopreventive potential. The putative role of other pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism in tumor promotion and malignant progression is presently under investigation.

Murine 12(R)-lipoxygenase: functional expression, genomic structure and chromosomal localization

A cDNA, recently cloned (by Krieg et al. (1998)) from mouse skin, was shown to encode a 12(R)-lipoxygenase. When expressed in HEK cells, the recombinant protein converted methyl arachidonate into the corresponding 12-HETE ester which was shown to be the R-enantiomer by chiral phase chromatography. Neither arachidonic acid nor linoleic acid were substrates for the recombinant protein. The structure of the 12(R)-lipoxygenase gene is unique among all animal lipoxygenases in that it is divided into 15 exons and 14 introns spanning approximately 12.5 kb. By interspecific backcross analysis, the 12(R)-lipoxygenase gene was localized to the central region of mouse chromosome 11.

Constitutive expression of 8-lipoxygenase in papillomas and clastogenic effects of lipoxygenase-derived arachidonic acid metabolites in keratinocytes

The expression pattern, enzymatic activity, and products of 8-lipoxygenase (LOX) were analyzed in normal and neoplastic skin of NMRI mice. While barely detectable in normal epidermis, 8-LOX was transiently induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and constitutively expressed in papillomas but not carcinomas obtained by the initiation-promotion protocol of mouse skin carcinogenesis. The product profile and chirality of both the native and the recombinant protein produced the S enantiomers of 8-hydroxy-5Z,9E,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (8-HETE) and 9-hydroxy-10E,12Z-octadecadienoic acid (9-HODE) as the main arachidonic acid- and linoleic acid-derived metabolites. As compared with normal epidermis, papillomas exhibited 25- and 4-fold elevated levels of 8-HETE and 9-HODE, respectively. However, the varying S to R ratios of 8-HETE and the predominance of 9(R)-HODE indicated that in addition to 8(S)-LOX, other enzymes yet to be defined may be involved in 8-HETE and 9-HODE production. The massive accumulation of both 8-HETE and 12-hydroxy-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) point to a critical role of these LOX pathways in epidermal tumor development, in particular in the papilloma stage. Here we showed that 8- and 12-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acids and 8- and 12-HETE induce chromosomal alterations in cycling primary basal keratinocytes.

Arachidonic acid metabolism in primary irritant dermatitis produced by patch testing of human skin with surfactants

A clinical study was performed to determine the effects of patch testing human skin with four industrially used surfactants on erythema formation, transepidermal water loss, and the contents in suction blister fluids of primary proinflammatory mediators including arachidonic acid, eicosanoids, and IL-1 alpha, which were analyzed by quantitative gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry and by an enzyme-immunoassay, respectively. Benzalkonium chloride (BKCI) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) elicited erythema and caused increased transepidermal water loss, indicating a disturbance of the epidermal barrier. Triethanolamine (TEA) and Tween 80 did not evoke these gross symptoms of inflammation. Suction blister fluids collected after a 24-h application of BKCl, SLS, and Tween 80 contained significantly increased amounts of individual eicosanoids whereas TEA induced no response. The induced eicosanoid profile was characteristic for each compound, pointing to different cell types of skin to be involved in their production. The elevation of prostaglandin and LTB4 contents correlated with the induction of erythema and the impairment of the epidermal barrier as shown for BKCl and SLS and preceded the maximum of erythema formation. IL-1 alpha contents did not correlate with these gross symptoms of inflammation. The results of this in vivo study support those of a previous study using human keratinocytes in culture indicating the release of arachidonic acid and prostaglandins to be an early event involved in the interaction of keratinocytes with surfactants. Moreover, the in vivo data with human skin underscore the mechanistic relationship to the in vitro model and support the concept that arachidonic acid and eicosanoid release from keratinocytes can be used as a marker of primary skin irritation.

Cloning and chromosomal location of the murine keratinocyte lipid-binding protein gene

The keratinocyte lipid-binding protein (KLBP) is a member of a large multigene family of intracellular fatty-acid-binding proteins. It is expressed in skin and tongue epithelia, adipose, lung and mammary tissue and has been found upregulated in several skin cell carcinomas and papillomas (Krieg et al., 1993). In order to study the regulation of KLBP expression, the murine gene has been cloned. Southern analysis using an exon 2 specific cDNA probe indicated the presence of multiple copies of the gene in the murine genome. Based on the highly conserved structure of the fatty-acid-binding protein genes, the third intron of the KLBP gene was PCR-amplified utilizing murine genomic DNA. Southern analysis with the intron 3 probe identified one unique gene in the murine genome. A full-length genomic clone of KLBP was obtained from a P1 library, and the structural gene was sequenced. Similar to the other FABP genes, the functional KLBP gene contains four exons separated by three introns and maintains the conservation of size and placement of each exon. A functional minimal promoter was demonstrated by transient transfections of 5' upstream KLBP-luciferase reporter constructs into line 308 keratinocyte cells as well as in primary adipocytes. RT-PCR on primary adipocyte RNA demonstrated expression of this KLBP gene by amplification of intron 3 from the primary transcript. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization identified the murine KLBP gene as the fourth FABP gene on chromosome 3, along with myelin P2, ALBP, and intestinal FABP. These studies provide a framework for analysis of KLBP expression in normal and pathophysiological conditions.

Occurrence of hepoxilins and trioxilins in psoriatic lesions

We recently found that normal human epidermis produces relatively high amounts of hepoxilins and trioxilins in vitro. Therefore, the aim of this study was to demonstrate the presence of these compounds in psoriatic lesions. Extracts from scales of patients with chronic stable plaque psoriasis were analyzed by a combination of high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. We found that the levels of hepoxilin B3 were more than 16-fold higher in psoriatic scales than in normal epidermis (3.2+/-2.3 and < 0.2 ng per mg, respectively), whereas hepoxilin A3 was not detected in any sample. Trioxilins were semiquantitated and referred to 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, ratios of trioxilins A3 and B3 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in psoriatic lesions were 0.65+/-0.23 and 0.32+/-0.28, respectively, and they were not detected in normal epidermis. The presence of a great amount of trioxilin A3 strongly suggests that hepoxilin A3 was present in psoriatic lesions and it was totally degraded to trioxilin A3 during the analysis procedure. Our results demonstrate that hepoxilins and trioxilins are produced by human skin in vivo and that the levels of these compounds are increased in psoriasis. The reported biologic activities of hepoxilins indicate that they could amplify and maintain the inflammatory response. Our results reinforce the idea that these compounds could play a role as mediators in the inflammatory response in skin, particularly in psoriasis.

cDNA cloning of a 8-lipoxygenase and a novel epidermis-type lipoxygenase from phorbol ester-treated mouse skin

Using a combination of PCR cloning and conventional screening procedures, we isolated from phorbol ester-treated mouse epidermis two full length cDNA clones encoding novel lipoxygenases. One of the cDNAs turned out to be identical to the recently cloned 8-lipoxygenase [Jisaka et al., J. Biol. Chem. 272 (1997) 24 410-24 416], the open reading frame of the second one corresponded to a protein of 701 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 80.6 kDa. The amino acid sequence showed 50.8% identity to human 15-lipoxygenase 2, approximately 40% to 5-lipoxygenase and 35% to 12- and 15-lipoxygenases. A unique structural feature is the insertion of 31 amino acid residues in the amino-terminal part of the molecule. Based on these data, we conclude that this epidermis-derived cDNA encodes a novel lipoxygenase isoform termed provisionally epidermis-type lipoxygenase 2 (e-LOX 2).

Repetin (Rptn), a new member of the "fused gene" subgroup within the S100 gene family encoding a murine epidermal differentiation protein

We report the cloning and characterization of a murine epidermal differentiation gene, repetin (Rptn), exhibiting striking similarity to the genes of the intermediate filament-associated proteins profilaggrin and trichohyalin. The repetin gene consists of three exons and two introns. The first exon is short and untranslated. The deduced amino acid sequence distributed between exons II and III contains 1130 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 130 kDa and pI of 7.7. The amino terminus exhibits significant homology to the S100 proteins containing two calcium-binding motifs of the EF-hand type. The remainder coding sequence contains a central segment consisting of 49 tandem repeats of a 12-amino-acid sequence rich in glutamines. By fluorescence in situ hybridization the repetin gene was localized to chromosome band 3 F1-2. Expression of repetin mRNA is detectable in the stratified internal epithelia of forestomach and tongue and to a lesser degree in normal skin epidermis, where it is restricted to the differentiated suprabasal cell layers. Based on its chromosomal localization, its genomic organization, and its stage-specific expression during late epidermal differentiation, as well as on the structural features of the encoded protein, we conclude that the repetin gene represents a novel member of the "fused gene" subgroup of the S100 gene family encoding multifunctional epidermal matrix proteins.

Effects of reactive oxygen species on the biosynthesis of 12 (S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in mouse epidermal homogenate

Arachidonic acid is converted to 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) in a homogenate of mouse epidermal cells. When the epidermal homogenate was preincubated with scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalase or superoxide dismutase, significantly larger amounts of 12-HETE were produced as compared to untreated controls, suggesting that 12-lipoxygenase is quite prone to inactivation by ROS and peroxides. Mouse epidermal homogenate was then exposed to nine different ROS-generating systems to study the effects of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen, hypochlorite, peroxyl radicals, and alkyl hydroperoxides on the enzyme activity. Analysis by chiral phase high performance liquid chromatography demonstrated that the 12-HETE biosynthesized from arachidonic acid by mouse epidermal homogenate was the 12 (S)-enantiomer and excludes oxidation of arachidonic acid by ROS in a nonspecific free radical mechanism which leads to racemic 12-HETE. ROS generated by the interaction of xanthine with xanthine oxidase strongly inhibited epidermal 12 (S)-HETE biosynthesis. A flux of 0.7 nmol of superoxide/min/ml of reaction medium resulted in more than 50% inhibition of epidermal 12-lipoxygenase activity. The decrease in 12 (S)-HETE biosynthesis appeared to involve both superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. The efficacy of the latter species was also documented by exposure of mouse epidermal 12-lipoxygenase to glucose and glucose oxidase, which resulted in similar inhibitory effects on 12 (S)-HETE biosynthesis. The presence of the iron chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid during incubation of epidermal 12-lipoxygenase with both the xanthine/xanthine oxidase or the glucose/glucose oxidase systems partially protected the enzyme against inhibition, indicating that hydroxyl radical contributes to the overall inhibitory effect. Also, organic hydroperoxides inhibited epidermal 12-lipoxygenase, whereas singlet oxygen, hypochlorite, and peroxyl radicals were not effective. The results of this study lead to the proposal that 12-lipoxygenase activity may be regulated by ROS such as hydrogen peroxides, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals.

Functional expression and cellular localization of a mouse epidermal lipoxygenase

Three distinct murine lipoxygenase genes have been functionally characterized: 5-lipoxygenase (Chen, X.-S., Naumann, T. A., Kurre, U. , Jenkins, N. A., Copeland, N. G., and Funk, C. D. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 17993-17999), platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase and leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase (Chen, X.-S., Kurre, U., Jenkins, N. A., Copeland, N. G., and Funk, C. D. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 13979-13987). Here, we describe the cloning and functional characterization of a fourth lipoxygenase gene in mice. Using a polymerase chain reaction-based approach together with partial sequence information from a genomic clone, we isolated a novel lipoxygenase cDNA from the RNA of 3-6-day-old mouse epidermis. The open reading frame predicts a 662-amino acid lipoxygenase that displays 60% identity with both murine 12-lipoxygenase isozymes and 40% identity to 5-lipoxygenase; the sequence is identical to a genomic sequence reported recently (van Dijk, K. W., Steketee, K., Havekes, L., Frants, R., and Hofker, M. (1995) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1259, 4-8). A full-length clone was expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and homogenates from disrupted cells produced 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and minor amounts of 15-HETE from arachidonic acid. Chiral phase analysis indicated that the 12-HETE is exclusively the 12S enantiomer. In situ hybridization revealed highly specific expression of epidermal lipoxygenase in differentiated keratinocytes of the epidermis and in restricted regions of the root sheath and bulb of hair follicles. High expression was also detected in conjunctiva of the eyelid and in cells of Meibomian and preputial (sebaceous) glands. A 2. 4-kilobase mRNA was detected in mouse epidermis by Northern blot analysis and its abundance was not affected by phorbol ester treatment. The epidermal lipoxygenase gene (Aloxe) resides on mouse chromosome 11 closely linked with the two 12-lipoxygenase genes (Alox12p and Alox12l).

Mechanisms in tumor promotion: guidance for risk assessment and cancer chemoprevention

In mouse skin, tumor development promoted by 'non-genotoxic' carcinogens is closely related to the wound response. In both cases endogenous factors such as cytokines and eicosanoids released primarily from 'activated keratinocytes' play a key role as mediators of inflammation and cellular hyperproliferation. The liberation of interleukin-1 alpha and arachidonic acid from human keratinocytes has been used as an in vitro parameter of irritancy. The results (from experiments with 15 different chemicals) being validated at present in a clinical study indicate a quantitative relationship between irritancy in vivo and mediator release in vitro. In the course of experimental skin carcinogenesis an overproduction of eicosanoids due to a constitutive overexpression of the corresponding enzymes (i.e. PGH synthase-II and 8- and 12-lipoxygenase) is observed. Enzyme inhibitors, for instance nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), exert a strong tumoristatic effect. Thus, the approach of multistage skin carcinogenesis provides a suitable animal model for a mechanistic evaluation and further improvement of chemopreventive measures such as the inhibition of colorectal tumor development in humans by NSAIDs ('aspirin effect').