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

Non-enantioselective, enantioselective, and two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for the study of stereochemical disposition of oxylipins in cGMP-regulated hemin-treated platelets

Oxylipins are important low abundant signaling molecules in living organisms. In platelets they play a primary role in platelet activation and aggregation in the course of thrombotic events. In vivo, they are enzymatically synthesized by cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, or cytochrome P450 isoenzmes, resulting in diverse polyunsaturated fatty acid (FA) metabolites including hydroxy-, epoxy-, oxo-FAs, and endoperoxides with pro-thrombotic or anti-thrombotic effects. In a recent study, it was reported that hemin induces platelet death which was accompanied by enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (measured by flow cytometry) and lipid peroxidation (as determined by proxy using flow cytometry with BODIPY-C11 as sensor). Lipidomic studies further indicated significant changes of the platelet lipidome upon ex vivo hemin treatment, amongst others oxylipins were increased. The effect could be (at least partly) reversed by riociguat/diethylamine NONOate diethylammonium salt (DEA/NO) which modulates the soluble guanylate cyclase(sGC)-cGMP-cGMP-dependent protein kinase I(cGKI) signaling axis. In the original work, oxylipins were measured by a non-enantioselective UHPLC-tandem-MS assay which may not give the full picture whether oxylipin elevation is due to ROS or by enzymatic processes. We present here the study of the stereochemical disposition of hemin-induced platelet lipidome alterations using Chiralpak IA-U column with amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral selector immobilized on 1.6 µm silica particles. It was found that the major platelet oxylipins 12-HETE, 12-HEPE and 14-HDoHE (from 12-LOX) and 12-HHT (from COX-1) were present in S-configuration indicating their enzymatic formation. On the other hand, both R and S enantiomers of 9- and 13-HODE, 11- and 15-HETE were detected, possibly due to enzyme promiscuity rather than non-specific oxidation (by ROS or autoxidation), as confirmed by multi-loop based two-dimensional LC-MS using selective comprehensive mode with achiral RPLC in the 1st dimension and chiral LC in the 2nd using a multiple heart-cutting interface. For 12-HETrE, a peak at the retention time of the R-enantiomer was ruled out as isobaric interference by 2D-LC-MS. In particular, arachidonic acid derivates 12(S)-HHT, 11(R)-HETE and 15(S)-HETE were found to be sensitive to hemin and cGMP modulation.

Epoxide hydrolase 3 (Ephx3) gene disruption reduces ceramide linoleate epoxide hydrolysis and impairs skin barrier function

The mammalian epoxide hydrolase (EPHX)3 is known from in vitro experiments to efficiently hydrolyze the linoleate epoxides 9,10-epoxyoctadecamonoenoic acid (EpOME) and epoxyalcohol 9R,10R-trans-epoxy-11E-13R-hydroxy-octadecenoate to corresponding diols and triols, respectively. Herein we examined the physiological relevance of EPHX3 to hydrolysis of both substrates in vivo. Ephx3^−/− mice show no deficiency in EpOME-derived plasma diols, discounting a role for EPHX3 in their formation, whereas epoxyalcohol-derived triols esterified in acylceramides of the epidermal 12R-lipoxygenase pathway are reduced. Although the Ephx3^−/− pups appear normal, measurements of transepidermal water loss detected a modest and statistically significant increase compared with the wild-type or heterozygote mice, reflecting a skin barrier impairment that was not evident in the knockouts of mouse microsomal (EPHX1/microsomal epoxide hydrolase) or soluble (EPHX2/sEH). This barrier phenotype in the Ephx3^−/− pups was associated with a significant decrease in the covalently bound ceramides in the epidermis (40% reduction, p < 0.05), indicating a corresponding structural impairment in the integrity of the water barrier. Quantitative LC-MS analysis of the esterified linoleate-derived triols in the murine epidermis revealed a marked and isomer-specific reduction (∼85%) in the Ephx3^−/− epidermis of the major trihydroxy isomer 9R,10S,13R-trihydroxy-11E-octadecenoate. We conclude that EPHX3 (and not EPHX1 or EPHX2) catalyzes hydrolysis of the 12R-LOX/eLOX3-derived epoxyalcohol esterified in acylceramide and may function to control flux through the alternative and crucial route of metabolism via the dehydrogenation pathway of SDR9C7. Importantly, our findings also identify a functional role for EPHX3 in transformation of a naturally esterified epoxide substrate, pointing to its potential contribution in other tissues.

The Biosynthesis of Enzymatically Oxidized Lipids

Enzymatically oxidized lipids are a specific group of biomolecules that function as key signaling mediators and hormones, regulating various cellular and physiological processes from metabolism and cell death to inflammation and the immune response. They are broadly categorized as either polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) containing (free acid oxygenated PUFA "oxylipins", endocannabinoids, oxidized phospholipids) or cholesterol derivatives (oxysterols, steroid hormones, and bile acids). Their biosynthesis is accomplished by families of enzymes that include lipoxygenases (LOX), cyclooxygenases (COX), cytochrome P450s (CYP), and aldo-keto reductases (AKR). In contrast, non-enzymatically oxidized lipids are produced by uncontrolled oxidation and are broadly considered to be harmful. Here, we provide an overview of the biochemistry and enzymology of LOXs, COXs, CYPs, and AKRs in humans. Next, we present biosynthetic pathways for oxylipins, oxidized phospholipids, oxysterols, bile acids and steroid hormones. Last, we address gaps in knowledge and suggest directions for future work.

Analysis of HETEs in human whole blood by chiral UHPLC-ECAPCI/HRMS

The biosynthesis of eicosanoids occurs enzymatically via lipoxygenases, cyclooxygenases, and cytochrome P450, or through nonenzymatic free radical reactions. The enzymatic routes are highly enantiospecific. Chiral separation and high-sensitivity detection methods are required to differentiate and quantify enantioselective HETEs in complex biological fluids. We report here a targeted chiral lipidomics analysis of human blood using ultra-HPLC-electron capture (EC) atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/high-resolution MS. Monitoring the high-resolution ions formed by the fragmentation of pentafluorobenzyl derivatives of oxidized lipids during the dissociative EC, followed by in-trap fragmentation, increased sensitivity by an order of magnitude when compared with the unit resolution MS. The 12(S)-HETE, 12(S)-hydroxy-(5Z,8E,10E)-heptadecatrienoic acid [12(S)-HHT], and 15(S)-HETE were the major hydroxylated nonesterified chiral lipids in serum. Stimulation of whole blood with zymosan and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in stimulus- and time-dependent effects. An acute exposure to zymosan induced ∼80% of the chiral plasma lipids, including 12(S)-HHT, 5(S)-HETE, 15(R)-HETE, and 15(S)-HETE, while a maximum response to LPS was achieved after a long-term stimulation. The reported method allows for a rapid quantification with high sensitivity and specificity of enantiospecific responses to in vitro stimulation or coagulation of human blood.

The role of lipoxygenases in pathophysiology; new insights and future perspectives

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are dioxygenases that catalyze the formation of corresponding hydroperoxides from polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. LOX enzymes are expressed in immune, epithelial, and tumor cells that display a variety of physiological functions, including inflammation, skin disorder, and tumorigenesis. In the humans and mice, six LOX isoforms have been known. 15-LOX, a prototypical enzyme originally found in reticulocytes shares the similarity of amino acid sequence as well as the biochemical property to plant LOX enzymes. 15-LOX-2, which is expressed in epithelial cells and leukocytes, has different substrate specificity in the humans and mice, therefore, the role of them in mammals has not been established. 12-LOX is an isoform expressed in epithelial cells and myeloid cells including platelets. Many mutations in this isoform are found in epithelial cancers, suggesting a potential link between 12-LOX and tumorigenesis. 12R-LOX can be found in the epithelial cells of the skin. Defects in this gene result in ichthyosis, a cutaneous disorder characterized by pathophysiologically dried skin due to abnormal loss of water from its epithelial cell layer. Similarly, eLOX-3, which is also expressed in the skin epithelial cells acting downstream 12R-LOX, is another causative factor for ichthyosis. 5-LOX is a distinct isoform playing an important role in asthma and inflammation. This isoform causes the constriction of bronchioles in response to cysteinyl leukotrienes such as LTC4, thus leading to asthma. It also induces neutrophilic inflammation by its recruitment in response to LTB4. Importantly, 5-LOX activity is strictly regulated by 5-LOX activating protein (FLAP) though the distribution of 5-LOX in the nucleus. Currently, pharmacological drugs targeting FLAP are actively developing. This review summarized these functions of LOX enzymes under pathophysiological conditions in mammals.

The specialized proresolving mediator 17-HDHA enhances the antibody-mediated immune response against influenza virus: a new class of adjuvant?

Influenza viruses remain a critical global health concern. More efficacious vaccines are needed to protect against influenza virus, yet few adjuvants are approved for routine use. Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) are powerful endogenous bioactive regulators of inflammation, with great clinical translational properties. In this study, we investigated the ability of the SPM 17-HDHA to enhance the adaptive immune response using an OVA immunization model and a preclinical influenza vaccination mouse model. Our findings revealed that mice immunized with OVA plus 17-HDHA or with H1N1-derived HA protein plus 17-HDHA increased Ag-specific Ab titers. 17-HDHA increased the number of Ab-secreting cells in vitro and the number of HA-specific Ab-secreting cells present in the bone marrow. Importantly, the 17-HDHA-mediated increased Ab production was more protective against live pH1N1 influenza infection in mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the biological effects of ω-3-derived SPMs on the humoral immune response. These findings illustrate a previously unknown biological link between proresolution signals and the adaptive immune system. Furthermore, this work has important implications for the understanding of B cell biology, as well as the development of new potential vaccine adjuvants.

Lipoxin A₄ modulates adaptive immunity by decreasing memory B-cell responses via an ALX/FPR2-dependent mechanism

Specialized proresolving mediators are endogenous bioactive lipid molecules that play a fundamental role in the regulation of inflammation and its resolution. Lipoxins and other specialized proresolving mediators have been identified in important immunological tissues including bone marrow, spleen, and blood. Lipoxins regulate functions of the innate immune system including the promotion of monocyte recruitment and increase macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils. A major knowledge gap is whether lipoxins influence adaptive immune cells. Here, we analyzed the actions of lipoxin A₄ (LXA₄) and its receptor ALX/FPR2 on human and mouse B cells. LXA₄ decreased IgM and IgG production on activated human B cells through ALX/FPR2-dependent signaling, which downregulated NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. LXA₄ also inhibited human memory B-cell antibody production and proliferation, but not naïve B-cell function. Lastly, LXA₄ decreased antigen-specific antibody production in an OVA immunization mouse model. To our knowledge, this is the first description of the actions of lipoxins on human B cells, demonstrating a link between resolution signals and adaptive immunity. Regulating antibody production is crucial to prevent unwanted inflammation. Harnessing the ability of lipoxins to decrease memory B-cell antibody production can be beneficial to threat inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

The importance of the lipoxygenase-hepoxilin pathway in the mammalian epidermal barrier

This review covers the background to discovery of the two key lipoxygenases (LOX) involved in epidermal barrier function, 12R-LOX and eLOX3, and our current views on their functioning. In the outer epidermis, their consecutive actions oxidize linoleic acid esterified in ω-hydroxy-ceramide to a hepoxilin-related derivative. The relevant background to hepoxilin and trioxilin biochemistry is briefly reviewed. We outline the evidence that linoleate in the ceramide is the natural substrate of the two LOX enzymes and our proposal for its importance in construction of the epidermal water barrier. Our hypothesis is that the oxidation promotes hydrolysis of the oxidized linoleate moiety from the ceramide. The resulting free ω-hydroxyl of the ω-hydroxyceramide is covalently bound to proteins on the surface of the corneocytes to form the corneocyte lipid envelope, a key barrier component. Understanding the role of the LOX enzymes and their hepoxilin products should provide rational approaches to ameliorative therapy for a number of the congenital ichthyoses involving compromised barrier function. 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.

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.

Specialized proresolving mediators enhance human B cell differentiation to antibody-secreting cells

The resolution of inflammation is an active and dynamic process critical in maintaining homeostasis. Newly identified lipid mediators have been recognized as key players during the resolution phase. These specialized proresolving mediators (SPM) constitute separate families that include lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins, each derived from essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. New results demonstrate that SPM regulate aspects of the immune response, including reduction of neutrophil infiltration, decreased T cell cytokine production, and stimulation of macrophage phagocytic activity. The actions of SPM on B lymphocytes remain unknown. Our study shows that the novel SPM 17-hydroxydosahexaenoic acid (17-HDHA), resolvin D1, and protectin D1 are present in the spleen. Interestingly, 17-HDHA and resolvin D1, but not protectin D1, strongly increase activated human B cell IgM and IgG production. Furthermore, increased Ab production by 17-HDHA is due to augmented B cell differentiation toward a CD27(+)CD38(+) Ab-secreting cell phenotype. The 17-HDHA did not affect proliferation and was nontoxic to cells. Increase of plasma cell differentiation and Ab production supports the involvement of SPM during the late stages of inflammation and pathogen clearance. The present study provides new evidence for SPM activity in the humoral response. These new findings highlight the potential applications of SPM as endogenous and nontoxic adjuvants, and as anti-inflammatory therapeutic molecules.

Applications of stereospecifically-labeled Fatty acids in oxygenase and desaturase biochemistry

Oxygenation and desaturation reactions are inherently associated with the abstraction of a hydrogen from the fatty acid substrate. Since the first published application in 1965, stereospecific placement of a labeled hydrogen isotope (deuterium or tritium) at the reacting carbons has proven a highly effective strategy for investigating the chemical mechanisms catalyzed by lipoxygenases, hemoprotein fatty acid dioxygenases including cyclooxygenases, cytochromes P450, and also the desaturases and isomerases. This review presents a synopsis of all published studies through 2010 on the synthesis and use of stereospecifically labeled fatty acids (71 references), and highlights some of the mechanistic insights gained by application of stereospecifically labeled fatty acids.

EDHF function in the ductus arteriosus: evidence against involvement of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and 12S-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid

We have previously shown (Ref. 2) that endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) becomes functional in the fetal ductus arteriosus on removal of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. From this, it was proposed that EDHF originates from a cytochrome P-450 (CYP450)-catalyzed reaction being inhibited by the two agents. Here, we have examined in the mouse ductus whether EDHF can be identified as an arachidonic acid product of a CYP450 epoxygenase and allied pathways. We did not detect transcripts of the mouse CYP2C subfamily in vessel, while CYP2J subfamily transcripts were expressed with CYP2J6 and CYP2J9. These CYP2J hemoproteins were also detected in the ductus by immunofluorescence microscopy, being colocalized with the endoplasmic reticulum in both endothelial and muscle cells. Distinct CYP450 transcripts were also detected and were responsible for omega-hydroxylation (CYP4A31) and 12R-hydroxylation (CYP4B1). Mass spectrometric analysis showed formation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) in the intact ductus, with 11,12- and 14,15-EETs being more prominent than 5,6- and 8,9-EETs. However, their yield did not increase with nitric oxide/carbon monoxide suppression, nor did it abate with endothelium removal. No evidence was obtained for formation of 12R-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid and omega-hydroxylation products. 2S-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid was instead detected, and, contrary to data implicating this compound as an alternative EDHF, its suppression with baicalein did not modify the EDHF-mediated relaxation to bradykinin. We conclude that none of the more common CYP450-linked arachidonic acid metabolites appears to qualify as EDHF in mouse ductus. We speculate that some novel eicosanoid or a totally unrelated compound requiring CYP450 for its synthesis accounts for EDHF in this vessel.

Computational analysis of R and S isoforms of 12-lipoxygenases: homology modeling and docking studies

The present study is aimed at predicting human 12R-LOX structure by constructing a homology model. Based upon Blast results, rabbit reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase 1LOX (protein data bank) was considered as a template for homology modeling. The 3D model was generated with Modeler in InsightII and further refined using AMBER. Further to understand the relationship of protein structure with stereo specificity, a comparative analysis of 12R-LOX model was done with that of 12S-LOX homology model to identify differences in the binding site topology and interacting residues. The large insertion of 31-aa seen in 12R-LOX is located beyond the N-terminal barrel and is accommodated on the outside of the protein without disruption of the overall tertiary structure. The 31-aa region includes SH3 domain binding PXXP motif, seven prolines and five arginines. The docking of the substrate, arachidonic acid was also performed. Our results show that the Gly441 and substrate orientation within the active site play an important role in stereo specificity of 12R-LOX.

A lipoxygenase with linoleate diol synthase activity from Nostoc sp. PCC 7120

The dioxygenation of PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) in plants is mainly catalysed by members of the LOX (lipoxygenase) enzyme family. LOX products may be further metabolized, and are known as signalling substances in plant development and in responses to wounding and pathogen attack. In contrast with the situation in eukaryotes, information on the relevance of lipid peroxide metabolism in prokaryotic organisms is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to analyse LOXs and oxylipin patterns of cyanobacterial origin. A search of the genomic sequence of the cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. PCC 7120 suggested an open reading frame encoding a putative LOX named NspLOX that harboured an N-terminal extension. Individual analysis of recombinant C-terminal domain revealed enzymatic activity as a linoleate (9R)-LOX. Analysis of the full-length NspLOX protein, however, revealed linoleate diol synthase activity, generating (10E,12E)-9,14-dihydroxy-10,12-octadecadienoic acid as the main product from LA (linoleic acid) and (10E,12E,14E)-9,16-dihydroxy-10,12,14-octadecatrienoic acid as the main product from ALA (α-LA) substrates respectively, with ALA as preferred substrate. The enzyme exhibited a broad pH optimum between pH 7 and pH 10. Soluble extracts of Nostoc sp. contain more 9-LOX-derived hydroperoxides in sonified than in non-sonified cells, but products of full-length NspLOX were not detectable under the conditions used. As no other LOX-like sequence was identified in the genome of Nostoc sp. PCC 7120, the results presented suggest that (9R)-LOX-derived oxylipins may represent the endogenous products of NspLOX. Based on the biochemical results of NspLOX, we suggest that this bifunctional enzyme may represent a more ancient way to control the intracellular amount of oxylipins in this cyanobacterium.

A comprehensive model of positional and stereo control in lipoxygenases

The lipoxygenase gene family can synthesize an array of chiral hydroperoxy derivatives from polyunsaturated fatty acids. An individual enzyme, however, reacts molecular oxygen on a single position on the carbon chain and in a single stereo configuration. Regiospecificity is regulated by the orientation and depth of substrate entry into the active site. Stereospecificity is a different issue and only recently has experimental support emerged to explain the conceptual basis of stereo control. A key determinant is a single active site residue conserved as an Ala in S lipoxygenases and a Gly in R lipoxygenases; this residue controls R or S stereochemistry by switching the position of oxygenation on the reacting pentadiene of the substrate. In this review, we meld together the factors that control product regio- and stereochemistry into a general model that can account for the specificity of individual lipoxygenase reactions.

Human cyclo-oxygenase-1 and an alternative splice variant: contrasts in expression of mRNA, protein and catalytic activities

The two COX (cyclo-oxygenase) isoenzymes COX-1 and -2 catalyse the initial step in the conversion of arachidonic acid into PG (prostaglandin) hormones. The identification of an mRNA transcript encoding a splice variant of human COX-1 was reported more than a decade ago [Diaz, Reginato and Jimenez (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 10816-10822], yet catalytic activity and tissue expression of the corresponding spliced protein remained uncharacterized. The splice variant lacks amino acids 396-432, corresponding to the last 37 amino acids of exon 9 of the gene encoding COX-1. These amino acids form a loop at one side of the peroxidase active site of the protein. We expressed the full-length and spliced COX-1 cDNAs in COS-7 and Sf9 insect cells, and determined the PG-forming activity using incubations with radiolabelled arachidonic acid and HPLC analyses. When expressed in either system, abundant PG formation was observed with the full-length COX-1, whereas the spliced protein did not form any detectable product. Peroxidase activity was readily detected in microsomes prepared from COS-7 cells transfected with COX-1 but not with the splice variant. In reverse transcriptase-PCR experiments, we detected the mRNA for the alternatively spliced and full-length COX-1 in human brain, tonsil and colon tissue, yet we were unable to detect expression of the spliced protein in the same tissues using immunoprecipitation and Western-blot analyses. We conclude that, whereas the mRNA transcript for the spliced COX-1 is present in various human tissues, the corresponding protein is either not formed or subject to rapid proteolytic degradation.

The lipoxygenase gene ALOXE3 implicated in skin differentiation encodes a hydroperoxide isomerase

Lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes form fatty acid hydroperoxides used in membrane remodeling and cell signaling. Mammalian epidermal LOX type 3 (eLOX3) is distinctive in totally lacking this typical oxygenase activity. Surprisingly, genetic evidence has linked mutations in eLOX3 or a colocalizing enzyme, 12R-LOX, to disruption of the normal permeability barrier of the skin [Jobard, F., Lefèvre, C., Karaduman, A., Blanchet-Bardon, C., Emre, S., Weissenbach, J., Ozgüc, M., Lathrop, M., Prud'homme, J. F. & Fischer, J. (2002) Hum. Mol. Genet. 11, 107-113]. Herein we identify a logical link of the biochemistry to the genetics. eLOX3 functions as a hydroperoxide isomerase (epoxyalcohol synthase) by using the product of 12R-LOX as the preferred substrate. 12R-Hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12R-HPETE) is converted to 8R-hydroxy-11R,12R-epoxyeicosa-5Z,9E,14Z-trienoic acid, one of the isomers of hepoxilin A3, and to 12-ketoeicosatetraenoic acid in a 2:1 ratio. Other hydroperoxides, including 8R-HPETE, 12S-HPETE, and 15S-HPETE, as well as the 13S- and 13R-hydroperoxides of linoleic acid are converted less efficiently. Mass spectrometric analysis of the epoxyalcohol formed from [18O]15S-HPETE showed that both hydroperoxy oxygens are retained in the product. We propose that the ferrous form of eLOX3 initiates a redox cycle, unprecedented among LOX in being autocatalytic, in which the hydroperoxy substrate is isomerized to the epoxyalcohol or keto product. Our results provide strong biochemical evidence for a functional linkage of 12R-LOX and eLOX3 and clues into skin biochemistry and the etiology of ichthyosiform diseases in humans.

Lipoxygenase-catalyzed formation of R-configuration hydroperoxides

Prototypical lipoxygenases (LOXs) of animals and plants synthesize hydroperoxy fatty acids of the S stereoconfiguration, yet enzymes forming R-configuration products are found in both the animal and plant kingdoms. R-LOX are widespread in aquatic invertebrates, in some of which their R-HETE products have a defined role in reproductive function. A 12R-LOX has been found recently in humans and mice. The human 12R-LOX product, 12R-HETE, appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of psoriasis and other proliferative skin diseases; a role in normal skin development is implied from the spatial and temporal expression patterns of the 12R-LOX in the mouse embryo. In plants, there are few reports of R-LOX activity and in higher plants this is limited to enzymes that catalyze a significant degree of non-specific oxygenation. There are no obvious amino acid sequence motifs characterizing R-LOXs; and in the phylogenetic tree of the LOX superfamily, the R-LOXs do not group into a specific branch of genes. The mechanistic basis of stereocontrol over the oxygenation reaction performed by LOXs may relate to a changed binding orientation of the fatty acid substrate or to the direction of attack by molecular oxygen. A potentially relevant precedent for switching of R- and S-oxygenation specificity was described recently in studies of prostaglandin C-15 oxygenation during cycloxygenase catalysis; single amino acid changes can invert the oxygenation stereospecificity at C-15. In this case, the evidence suggests that R/S switching can occur with the substrate binding in the normal conformation.

Control of prostaglandin stereochemistry at the 15-carbon by cyclooxygenases-1 and -2. A critical role for serine 530 and valine 349

Prostaglandin synthesis by cyclooxygenases-1 and -2 (COX-1 and COX-2) involves an initial oxygenation of arachidonic acid at C-11, followed by endoperoxide and cyclopentane ring formation, and then a second reaction with molecular oxygen in the S configuration at C-15. The resulting 15S-hydroxyl group of prostaglandins is crucial for their bioactivity. Using human COX-1 and human and murine COX-2, we have identified two amino acids located in the oxygenase active site that control the stereochemistry at C-15. The most crucial determinant is Ser-530, the residue that is acetylated by aspirin. In COX-2, site-directed mutagenesis of Ser-530 to methionine, threonine, or valine produced highly active enzymes that formed 82-95% 15R-configuration prostaglandins; these have the opposite stereochemistry at C-15 to the natural products. In COX-1, the corresponding Ser-530 mutations inactivated the enzyme. The second residue, Val-349, exerts a more subtle influence. When Val-349 was replaced by isoleucine, the mutant COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes formed 41 and 65% 15R-prostaglandins, respectively. This change was highly specific for isoleucine, as mutations of Val-349 to alanine, leucine, asparagine, or threonine did not alter or only slightly altered (< or =13%) the S-configuration at C-15. These results establish a previously unrecognized role for Ser-530 and Val-349 in maintaining the correct S stereochemistry of the carbon-15 hydroxyl group during prostaglandin synthesis. The findings may also explain the absolute conservation of Ser-530, the target of aspirin, throughout the families of cyclooxygenase enzymes.