Simultaneous expression of leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase and reticulocyte-type 15-lipoxygenase in rabbits

Knock-in mice expressing a humanized arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase (Alox15) carry a partly dysfunctional erythropoietic system

Arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenases (ALOX15) play a role in mammalian erythropoiesis but they have also been implicated in inflammatory processes. Seven intact Alox genes have been detected in the mouse reference genome and the mouse Alox15 gene is structurally similar to the orthologous genes of other mammals. However, mouse and human ALOX15 orthologs have different functional characteristics. Human ALOX15 converts C20 polyenoic fatty acids like arachidonic acid mainly to the n-6 hydroperoxide. In contrast, the n-9 hydroperoxide is the major oxygenation product formed by mouse Alox15. Previous experiments indicated that Leu353Phe exchange in recombinant mouse Alox15 humanized the catalytic properties of the enzyme. To investigate whether this functional humanization might also work in vivo and to characterize the functional consequences of mouse Alox15 humanization we generated Alox15 knock-in mice (Alox15-KI), in which the Alox15 gene was modified in such a way that the animals express the arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenating Leu353Phe mutant instead of the arachidonic acid 12-lipoxygenating wildtype enzyme. These mice develop normally, they are fully fertile but display modified plasma oxylipidomes. In young individuals, the basic hematological parameters were not different when Alox15-KI mice and outbred wildtype controls were compared. However, when growing older male Alox15-KI mice develop signs of dysfunctional erythropoiesis such as reduced hematocrit, lower erythrocyte counts and attenuated hemoglobin concentration. These differences were paralleled by an improved ex vivo osmotic resistance of the peripheral red blood cells. Interestingly, such differences were not observed in female individuals suggesting gender specific effects. In summary, these data indicated that functional humanization of mouse Alox15 induces defective erythropoiesis in aged male individuals.

The Reaction Specificity of Mammalian ALOX15 Orthologs is Changed During Late Primate Evolution and These Alterations Might Offer Evolutionary Advantages for Hominidae

Arachidonic acid lipoxygenases (ALOXs) have been implicated in the immune response of mammals. The reaction specificity of these enzymes is decisive for their biological functions and ALOX classification is based on this enzyme property. Comparing the amino acid sequences and the functional properties of selected mammalian ALOX15 orthologs we previously hypothesized that the reaction specificity of these enzymes can be predicted based on their amino acid sequences (Triad Concept) and that mammals, which are ranked in evolution below gibbons, express arachidonic acid 12-lipoxygenating ALOX15 orthologs. In contrast, Hominidae involving the great apes and humans possess 15-lipoxygenating enzymes (Evolutionary Hypothesis). These two hypotheses were based on sequence data of some 60 mammalian ALOX15 orthologs and about half of them were functionally characterized. Here, we compared the ALOX15 sequences of 152 mammals representing all major mammalian subclades expressed 44 novel ALOX15 orthologs and performed extensive mutagenesis studies of their triad determinants. We found that ALOX15 genes are absent in extant Prototheria but that corresponding enzymes frequently occur in Metatheria and Eutheria. More than 90% of them catalyze arachidonic acid 12-lipoxygenation and the Triad Concept is applicable to all of them. Mammals ranked in evolution above gibbons express arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenating ALOX15 orthologs but enzymes with similar specificity are only present in less than 5% of mammals ranked below gibbons. This data suggests that ALOX15 orthologs have been introduced during Prototheria-Metatheria transition and put the Triad Concept and the Evolutionary Hypothesis on a much broader and more reliable experimental basis.

Lipoxygenases as Targets for Drug Development

Lipoxygenases are key enzymes that catalyze the polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachidic acid, linoleic acid (LA), and others unsaturated fatty acids. They are involved in important functions such as cell structure, metabolism, and signal transduction mechanisms, finally mediating cell death process, especially ferroptosis, a novel type of cell death modality. Our present protocol described a colorimetric assay for measuring lipoxygenase activity as well as a high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of arachidonic acid metabolites.

Recombinant Lipoxygenases and Hydroperoxide Lyases for the Synthesis of Green Leaf Volatiles

Green leaf volatiles (GLVs) are mainly C₆- and in rare cases also C₉-aldehydes, -alcohols, and -esters, which are released by plants in response to biotic or abiotic stresses. These compounds are named for their characteristic smell reminiscent of freshly mowed grass. This review focuses on GLVs and the two major pathway enzymes responsible for their formation: lipoxygenases (LOXs) and fatty acid hydroperoxide lyases (HPLs). LOXs catalyze the peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic and α-linolenic acids. Hydroperoxy fatty acids are further converted by HPLs into aldehydes and oxo-acids. In many industrial applications, plant extracts have been used as LOX and HPL sources. However, these processes are limited by low enzyme concentration, stability, and specificity. Alternatively, recombinant enzymes can be used as biocatalysts for GLV synthesis. The increasing number of well-characterized enzymes efficiently expressed by microbial hosts will foster the development of innovative biocatalytic processes for GLV production.

PGE2 production at sites of tissue injury promotes an anti-inflammatory neutrophil phenotype and determines the outcome of inflammation resolution in vivo

Neutrophils are the first immune cells recruited to a site of injury or infection, where they perform many functions. Having completed their role, neutrophils must be removed from the inflammatory site-either by apoptosis and efferocytosis or by reverse migration away from the wound-for restoration of normal tissue homeostasis. Disruption of these tightly controlled physiological processes of neutrophil removal can lead to a range of inflammatory diseases. We used an in vivo zebrafish model to understand the role of lipid mediator production in neutrophil removal. Following tailfin amputation in the absence of macrophages, neutrophillic inflammation does not resolve, due to loss of macrophage-dependent handling of eicosanoid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) that drives neutrophil removal via promotion of reverse migration. Knockdown of endogenous PGE synthase gene reveals PGE2 as essential for neutrophil inflammation resolution. Furthermore, PGE2 is able to signal through EP4 receptors during injury, causing an increase in Alox12 production and switching toward anti-inflammatory eicosanoid signaling. Our data confirm regulation of neutrophil migration by PGE2 and LXA4 (lipoxin A4) in an in vivo model of inflammation resolution. This pathway may contain therapeutic targets for driving inflammation resolution in chronic inflammatory disease.

12/15 lipoxygenase: A crucial enzyme in diverse types of cell death

The 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX) enzymes react with polyunsaturated fatty acids producing active lipid metabolites that are involved in plethora of human diseases including neurological disorders. A great many of elegant studies over the last decades have contributed to unraveling the mechanism how 12/15-lipoxygenase play a role in these diseases. And the way it works is mainly through apoptosis. However, recent years have found that the way 12/15-lipoxygenase works is also related to autophagy and ferroptosis, a newly defined type of cell death by Stockwell's lab in 2012. Figuring out how 12/15-lipoxygenase participate in these modes of cell death is of vital importance to understand its role in disease. The review aims to give a sight on our current knowledge on the role of this enzyme in apoptosis, autophagy and ferroptosis. And the relevant diseases that 12/15-lipoxygenase may be involved.

Evolutionary alteration of ALOX15 specificity optimizes the biosynthesis of antiinflammatory and proresolving lipoxins

ALOX15 (12/15-lipoxygenase) orthologs have been implicated in maturational degradation of intracellular organelles and in the biosynthesis of antiinflammatory and proresolving eicosanoids. Here we hypothesized that lower mammals (mice, rats, pigs) express 12-lipoxygenating ALOX15 orthologs. In contrast, 15-lipoxygenating isoforms are found in higher primates (orangutans, men), and these results suggest an evolution of ALOX15 specificity. To test this hypothesis we first cloned and characterized ALOX15 orthologs of selected Catarrhini representing different stages of late primate evolution and found that higher primates (men, chimpanzees) express 15-lipoxygenating orthologs. In contrast, lower primates (baboons, rhesus monkeys) express 12-lipoxygenating enzymes. Gibbons, which are flanked in evolution by rhesus monkeys (12-lipoxygenating ALOX15) and orangutans (15-lipoxygenating ALOX15), express an ALOX15 ortholog with pronounced dual specificity. To explore the driving force for this evolutionary alterations, we quantified the lipoxin synthase activity of 12-lipoxygenating (rhesus monkey, mouse, rat, pig, humIle418Ala) and 15-lipoxygenating (man, chimpanzee, orangutan, rabbit, ratLeu353Phe) ALOX15 variants and found that, when normalized to their arachidonic acid oxygenase activities, the lipoxin synthase activities of 15-lipoxygenating ALOX15 variants were more than fivefold higher (P < 0.01) [corrected]. Comparative molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations indicated that, for the 15-lipoxygenating rabbit ALOX15, the energy barrier for C13-hydrogen abstraction (15-lipoxygenation) was 17 kJ/mol lower than for arachidonic acid 12-lipoxygenation. In contrast, for the 12-lipoxygenating Ile418Ala mutant, the energy barrier for 15-lipoxygenation was 10 kJ/mol higher than for 12-lipoxygenation. Taken together, our data suggest an evolution of ALOX15 specificity, which is aimed at optimizing the biosynthetic capacity for antiinflammatory and proresolving lipoxins.

Structural and functional biology of arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase-1 (ALOX15)

Lipoxygenases (LOX) form a family of lipid peroxidizing enzymes, which have been implicated in a number of physiological processes and in the pathogenesis of inflammatory, hyperproliferative and neurodegenerative diseases. They occur in two of the three domains of terrestrial life (bacteria, eucarya) and the human genome involves six functional LOX genes, which encode for six different LOX isoforms. One of these isoforms is ALOX15, which has first been described in rabbits in 1974 as enzyme capable of oxidizing membrane phospholipids during the maturational breakdown of mitochondria in immature red blood cells. During the following decades ALOX15 has extensively been characterized and its biological functions have been studied in a number of cellular in vitro systems as well as in various whole animal disease models. This review is aimed at summarizing the current knowledge on the protein-chemical, molecular biological and enzymatic properties of ALOX15 in various species (human, mouse, rabbit, rat) as well as its implication in cellular physiology and in the pathogenesis of various diseases.

The 12/15-lipoxygenase as an emerging therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive memory loss. Mutations in genes involved in the production of amyloid-β (Aβ) are linked to the early-onset variant of AD. However, the most common form, sporadic AD, is considered to be the result of an interaction between environmental risk factors and various genes. Among them, recent work has highlighted the potential role that the 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15LO) pathway may play in AD pathogenesis. 12/15LO is widely distributed in the central nervous system, and its levels are upregulated in patients with AD or mild cognitive impairments. Studies using animal models have implicated 12/15LO in the molecular pathology of AD, including the metabolism of Aβ and tau, synaptic integrity, and cognitive functions. We provide an overview of this pathway and its relevance to AD pathogenesis, discuss the mechanism(s) involved, and provide an assessment of how targeting 12/15LO could lead to novel AD therapeutics.

Mutagenesis of triad determinants of rat Alox15 alters the specificity of fatty acid and phospholipid oxygenation

Among lipoxygenases ALOX15 orthologs are somewhat peculiar because of their capability of oxygenating polyenoic fatty acids even if they are incorporated in complex lipid-protein assemblies. ALOX15 orthologs of different species have been characterized before, but little is known about the corresponding rat enzyme. Since rats are frequently employed as models in biomedical research we expressed rat Alox15 as recombinant protein in pro- and eukaryotic expression systems and characterized the enzyme with respect to its enzymatic properties. The enzyme oxygenated free arachidonic acid mainly to 12S-HpETE with 15S-HpETE only contributing 10% to the product mixture. Multiple directed mutagenesis studies indicated applicability of the triad concept with particular importance of Leu353 and Ile593 as specificity determinants. Ala404Gly exchange induced subtle alterations in enantioselectivity suggesting partial applicability of the Coffa/Brash concept. Wildtype rat Alox15 and its 15-lipoxygenating Leu353Phe mutant are capable of oxygenating ester lipids of biomembranes and high-density lipoproteins. For the wildtype enzyme 13S-HODE and 12S-HETE were identified as major oxygenation products but for the Leu353Phe mutant 13S-HODE and 15S-HETE prevailed. These data indicate for the first time that mutagenesis of triad determinants modifies the reaction specificity of ALOX15 orthologs with free fatty acids and complex ester lipids in a similar way.

Evolutionary aspects of lipoxygenases and genetic diversity of human leukotriene signaling

Leukotrienes are pro-inflammatory lipid mediators, which are biosynthesized via the lipoxygenase pathway of the arachidonic acid cascade. Lipoxygenases form a family of lipid peroxidizing enzymes and human lipoxygenase isoforms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory, hyperproliferative (cancer) and neurodegenerative diseases. Lipoxygenases are not restricted to humans but also occur in a large number of pro- and eucaryotic organisms. Lipoxygenase-like sequences have been identified in the three domains of life (bacteria, archaea, eucarya) but because of lacking functional data the occurrence of catalytically active lipoxygenases in archaea still remains an open question. Although the physiological and/or pathophysiological functions of various lipoxygenase isoforms have been studied throughout the last three decades there is no unifying concept for the biological importance of these enzymes. In this review we are summarizing the current knowledge on the distribution of lipoxygenases in living single and multicellular organisms with particular emphasis to higher vertebrates and will also focus on the genetic diversity of enzymes and receptors involved in human leukotriene signaling.

Mammalian lipoxygenases and their biological relevance

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) form a heterogeneous class of lipid peroxidizing enzymes, which have been implicated not only in cell proliferation and differentiation but also in the pathogenesis of various diseases with major public health relevance. As other fatty acid dioxygenases LOXs oxidize polyunsaturated fatty acids to their corresponding hydroperoxy derivatives, which are further transformed to bioactive lipid mediators (eicosanoids and related substances). On the other hand, lipoxygenases are key players in the regulation of the cellular redox homeostasis, which is an important element in gene expression regulation. Although the first mammalian lipoxygenases were discovered 40 years ago and although the enzymes have been well characterized with respect to their structural and functional properties the biological roles of the different lipoxygenase isoforms are not completely understood. This review is aimed at summarizing the current knowledge on the physiological roles of different mammalian LOX-isoforms and their patho-physiological function in inflammatory, metabolic, hyperproliferative, neurodegenerative and infectious disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Oxygenated metabolism of PUFA: analysis and biological relevance".

Functional characterization of genetic enzyme variations in human lipoxygenases

Mammalian lipoxygenases play a role in normal cell development and differentiation but they have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular, hyperproliferative and neurodegenerative diseases. As lipid peroxidizing enzymes they are involved in the regulation of cellular redox homeostasis since they produce lipid hydroperoxides, which serve as an efficient source for free radicals. There are various epidemiological correlation studies relating naturally occurring variations in the six human lipoxygenase genes (SNPs or rare mutations) to the frequency for various diseases in these individuals, but for most of the described variations no functional data are available. Employing a combined bioinformatical and enzymological strategy, which included structural modeling and experimental site-directed mutagenesis, we systematically explored the structural and functional consequences of non-synonymous genetic variations in four different human lipoxygenase genes (ALOX5, ALOX12, ALOX15, and ALOX15B) that have been identified in the human 1000 genome project. Due to a lack of a functional expression system we resigned to analyze the functionality of genetic variations in the hALOX12B and hALOXE3 gene. We found that most of the frequent non-synonymous coding SNPs are located at the enzyme surface and hardly alter the enzyme functionality. In contrast, genetic variations which affect functional important amino acid residues or lead to truncated enzyme variations (nonsense mutations) are usually rare with a global allele frequency<0.1%. This data suggest that there appears to be an evolutionary pressure on the coding regions of the lipoxygenase genes preventing the accumulation of loss-of-function variations in the human population.

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Non-synonymous coding variations in human lipoxygenases are mostly rare with a global allele frequency <1%.

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Common ALOX SNPs are mainly localized on the enzyme surface and hardly effect the enzyme functionality.

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hALOX15B Ala416Asp is a newly discovered loss-of-function mutation in the hALOX gene family while inactivity seems to be caused by severe structural alterations.

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Our data indicate that there is evolutionary pressure on these redox enzymes preventing the accumulation of loss-of-function variations in the human population.

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1000 Genome database is a useful tool to analyze the distribution and functionality of variations in genes of interest.

Functional and pathological roles of the 12- and 15-lipoxygenases

The 12/15-lipoxygenase enzymes react with fatty acids producing active lipid metabolites that are involved in a number of significant disease states. The latter include type 1 and type 2 diabetes (and associated complications), cardiovascular disease, hypertension, renal disease, and the neurological conditions Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. A number of elegant studies over the last thirty years have contributed to unraveling the role that lipoxygenases play in chronic inflammation. The development of animal models with targeted gene deletions has led to a better understanding of the role that lipoxygenases play in various conditions. Selective inhibitors of the different lipoxygenase isoforms are an active area of investigation, and will be both an important research tool and a promising therapeutic target for treating a wide spectrum of human diseases.

Molecular enzymology of lipoxygenases

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are lipid peroxidizing enzymes, implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and hyperproliferative diseases, which represent potential targets for pharmacological intervention. Although soybean LOX1 was discovered more than 60years ago, the structural biology of these enzymes was not studied until the mid 1990s. In 1993 the first crystal structure for a plant LOX was solved and following this protein biochemistry and molecular enzymology became major fields in LOX research. This review focuses on recent developments in molecular enzymology of LOXs and summarizes our current understanding of the structural basis of LOX catalysis. Various hypotheses explaining the reaction specificity of different isoforms are critically reviewed and their pros and cons briefly discussed. Moreover, we summarize the current knowledge of LOX evolution by profiling the existence of LOX-related genomic sequences in the three kingdoms of life. Such sequences are found in eukaryotes and bacteria but not in archaea. Although the biological role of LOXs in lower organisms is far from clear, sequence data suggests that this enzyme family might have evolved shortly after the appearance of atmospheric oxygen on earth.

Cloning, purification and characterization of non-human primate 12/15-lipoxygenases

The enzyme 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LO-1) possesses mainly 15-LO activity and has so far only been described in human cells and rabbit reticulocytes. The animal ortholog, except rabbit reticulocytes, is an enzyme with predominantly a 12-lipoxygenase activity, commonly referred to as 12/15-LO. We describe herein the characterization of the 12/15-LOs in Macaca mulatta (rhesus monkey) and in Pongo pygmaeus (orang-utan). The rhesus and the orang-utan enzymes have mainly 12-lipoxygenase and 15-lipoxygenase activity, respectively, and they display 94% and 98% identity to the human 15-LO-1 protein. The rhesus enzyme was functionally different from the human enzyme with respect to substrate utilization in that anandamide was used differently and that the rhesus enzymes positional specificity could be affected by the substrate concentration. Furthermore, genomic data indicate that chimpanzees express an enzyme with mainly 15-lipoxygenase activity whereas marmosets express an enzyme with mainly 12-LO activity. Taken together, the switch during evolution from a 12-lipoxygenating enzyme in lower primates to a 15-lipoxygenating enzyme in higher primates and man might be of importance for the biological function of this enzyme.

Applicability of the triad concept for the positional specificity of mammalian lipoxygenases

The nomenclature of lipoxygenases (LOXs) is partly based on the positional specificity of arachidonic acid oxygenation, but there is no unifying concept explaining the mechanistic basis of this enzyme property. According to the triad model, Phe-353, Ile-418, and Ile-593 of the rabbit 12/15-LOX form the bottom of the substrate-binding pocket, and introduction of less space-filling residues at either of these positions favors arachidonic acid 12-lipoxygenation. The present study was aimed at exploring the validity of the triad concept for two novel primate 12/15-LOX (Macaca mulatta and Pongo pygmaeus) and for five known members of the mammalian LOX family (human 12/15-LOX, mouse 12/15-LOX, human 15-LOX2, human platelet type 12-LOX, and mouse (12R)-LOX). The enzymes were expressed as N-terminal His tag fusion proteins in E. coli, the potential sequence determinants were mutated, and the specificity of arachidonic acid oxygenation was quantified. Taken together, our data indicate that the triad concept explains the positional specificity of all 12/15-LOXs tested (rabbit, human, M. mulatta, P. pygmaeus, and mouse). For the new enzymes of M. mulatta and P. pygmaeus, the concept had predictive value because the positional specificity predicted on the basis of the amino acid sequence was confirmed experimentally. The specificity of the platelet 12-LOX was partly explained by the triad hypothesis, but the concept was not applicable for 15-LOX2 and (12R)-LOX.

Arachidonic Acid metabolites in the cardiovascular system: the role of lipoxygenase isoforms in atherogenesis with particular emphasis on vascular remodeling

Vascular remodeling refers to lasting structural alterations in the vessel wall that are initiated in response to external and internal stimuli. These changes are distinct from acute functional responses of blood vessels when challenged by increased blood pressure, altered hemodynamics, or vasoactive mediators. In early atherogenesis, when lesion formation is starting to impact local hemodynamics, the vessel wall responds with outward vascular remodeling to maintain normal blood flow. However, inward remodeling may also occur during the time course of plaque formation, contributing to vascular stenosis. Lipoxygenases form a heterogeneous family of lipid-peroxidizing enzymes, which have been implicated in atherogenesis. Several lines of in vitro and in vivo evidence indicated their involvement in disease development, but the precise function of different lipoxygenase isoforms is still a matter of discussion. Vascular remodeling is an early response during plaque development; therefore, lipoxygenases may be involved in this process. Unfortunately, little is known about the potential role of lipoxygenase isoforms in vascular remodeling. This review will briefly summarize our knowledge of the role of lipoxygenases in vascular biology and will critically review the activities of the 3 most athero-relevant lipoxygenase isoforms in atherogenesis, with particular emphasis on vascular remodeling.

Age-related decrease in 15-lipoxygenase contributes to reduced vasorelaxation in rabbit aorta

Rabbit 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LO-1) oxygenates arachidonic acid (AA) into 15-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid, which is then converted to the vasodilatory 15-hydroxy-11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (HEETA) and 11,12,15-trihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (THETA). We studied the age-dependent expression of the 15-LO-1 in rabbit aorta and its effects on the synthesis of THETA, HEETA, and vasoactivity. Aortas of 1-wk-old rabbits express greater amounts of 15-LO-1 mRNA and protein compared with aortas of 4-, 8-, or 16-wk-old rabbits. The synthesis of THETA and HEETA in the rabbit aorta was also reduced with age. THETA synthesis was maximal in 1-wk-old aortas but decreased in aortas of 4- (42%), 8- (4%), and 16-wk-old (1%) rabbits. Similarly, THETA and HEETA synthesis decreased with age in mesenteric arteries from 1-, 4-, 8-, and 16-wk-old rabbits. The maximum vasorelaxation response to acetylcholine (10−6M) in the presence of indomethacin and nitro-l-arginine decreased in the order of 1 wk (64.5 ± 6.9%), 4 wk (52.6 ± 8.9%), 8 wk (53.0 ± 9.4%), and 16 wk (33.3 ± 6.6%). Similarly, the maximum relaxation to AA (3 × 10−4M) decreased with age in the order of 1 wk (60.4 ± 8.9%), 4 wk (56.3 ± 5.8%), 8 wk (41.8 ± 12.3%), and 16 wk (28.9 ± 1.6%). In contrast, the vasorelaxation to sodium nitroprusside was not significantly altered by age. These data indicate that aortic 15-LO-1 expression and activity are downregulated with aging in rabbits. This decrease is paralleled by the reduced synthesis of vasoactive THETA and HEETA and aortic relaxations to acetylcholine and AA.

Biologic relevance of lipoxygenase isoforms in atherogenesis

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) form a heterogeneous family of lipid-peroxidizing enzymes, which have originally been implicated in cell differentiation and biosynthesis of inflammatory mediators. More recent studies suggested a role of various LOX-isoforms in the pathogenesis of human diseases, including bronchial asthma, osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. According to their phylogenetic relatedness, LOX-isoforms may be classified into four subfamilies, three of which (12/15-LOX, 5-LOX, platelet 12-LOX) have been related to atherogenesis. Several lines of experimental evidence suggest a role for LOXs in atherosclerosis, but the mechanisms remain a matter of discussion. This review will briefly summarize the current understanding on the molecular enzymology of the LOX family and the current status of knowledge on the role of different LOX isoforms in atherogenesis. The available literature data will be critically reviewed and a short perspective on future developments in the field will be provided.

Inflammation and immune regulation by 12/15-lipoxygenases

12/15-Lipoxygenases (12/15-LOX) are members of the LOX family, which are expressed in mammals by monocytes and macrophages following induction by the T helper type 2 cytokines, interleukins-4 and -13. They oxygenate free polyenoic fatty acids but also ester lipids and even complex lipid-protein assemblies such as biomembranes and lipoproteins. The primary oxidation products are either reduced by glutathione peroxidases to corresponding hydroxy derivatives or metabolized into secondary oxidized lipids including leukotrienes, lipoxins and hepoxilins, which act as lipid mediators. Examination of knockout and transgenic animals revealed important roles for 12/15-LOX in inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis, cancer, osteoporosis, angiotension II-dependent hypertension and diabetes. In vitro studies suggested 12/15-LOX products as coactivators of peroxisomal proliferator activating-receptors (PPAR), regulators of cytokine generation, and modulators of gene expression related to inflammation resolution. Despite much work in this area, the biochemical mechanisms by which 12/15-LOX regulates physiological and pathological immune cell function are not fully understood. This review will summarize the biochemistry and tissue expression of 12/15-LOX and will describe the current knowledge regarding its immunobiology and regulation of inflammation.

Reticulocyte 15-Lipoxygenase-I Is Important in Acetylcholine-Induced Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxation in Rabbit Aorta

OBJECTIVE

Aortic 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) metabolizes arachidonic acid (AA) to 15-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid, which is then converted to the vasodilators 15-hydroxy-11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid and 11,12,15-trihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid. These metabolites contribute to endothelium-dependent relaxations of rabbit aorta to AA and acetylcholine. We investigated the identity of rabbit aortic 15-LO and studied its importance in the regulation of vascular tone.

METHODS AND RESULTS

RT-PCR using 12-lipoxygenase/15-LO specific primers resulted in a 572-bp product with a sequence identical to 15-LO-I from rabbit aorta. A RT-PCR/restriction digest strategy excluded expression of 12-lipoxygenase. Immunoblotting revealed 15-LO-I expression in rabbit endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Aortic homogenates and cytosolic fractions metabolize AA to 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and linoleic acid to 13(S)-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid. This activity was blocked by LO inhibitors. The kinetic characteristics (Michaelis constant of aortic 15-LO is 2.2+/-0.3 micromol/L for AA and 23.5+/-3.3 micromol/L for linoleic acid) of aortic 15-LO were similar to those of the purified 15-LO-I. An antisense oligonucleotide inhibited 15-LO-I expression in rabbit aorta. Indomethacin and nitro-L-arginine-resistant relaxations to acetylcholine were inhibited by 15-LO-I antisense oligonucleotide but not by the scrambled oligonucleotide.

CONCLUSIONS

15-LO-I is expressed in rabbit aortic endothelium and is important in endothelium-dependent regulation of vascular tone.

Inhibition of 12- and 15-lipoxygenase activities and protection of human and tilapia low density lipoprotein oxidation by I-Tiao-Gung (Glycine tomentella)

I-Tiao-Gung, Glycine tomentella, has been used extensively as a traditional herbal medicine to relieve physical pain, but its bioactivity has not been studied systematically. Ninety-five percent ethanol extracts of G. tomentella (GT-E) showed antioxidant activity in human plasma by prolonging the lag phase (+Tlag) of Cu2+-induced LDL oxidation and were dose dependent. The +Tlag of LDL combined with 3.2 microg/mL GT-E was similar to that with 2.0 microM (ca. 0.5 microg/mL) Trolox. A similar inhibitory effect was found toward tilapia plasma LDL. In addition, GT-E inhibited tilapia thrombocyte (nucleated platelet) 5-, 12-, and 15-lipoxygenase (LOX). The IC50 values were 0.43, 0.72, and 0.42 microg/mL, respectively, whereas the IC50 values for nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) on 5-, 12-, and 15-LOX were 2.3, 1.6, and 1.7 microg/mL, respectively. The IC50 value for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition by GT-E was 42.0 microg/mL, whereas the IC50 value by indomethacin as a positive control was 0.61 microLg/mL. The prevention of LDL oxidation and the dual inhibition of LOX and COX-2 are indicative of the possible roles of I-Tiao-Gung in antiatherosclerosis and anti-inflammation.

Expression of 15-lipoxygenase-1 in human nasal epithelium: its implication in mucociliary differentiation

15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LO-1) is involved in the differentiation of human tracheobronchial epithelial cells. Here, we investigated the relation between 15-LO-1 expression and the differentiation of human nasal epithelium. In retinoic acid (RA)-sufficient culture media, 15-LO-1 expression in normal human nasal epithelial cell time-dependently increased, but its expression was undetectable in RA-deficient culture media. Moreover, in RA-deficient culture media, IL-4 at 1 ng/ml concentration time-dependently induced 15-LO-1 expression. In addition, MUC8 gene expression, a marker of mucociliary differentiation, was up-regulated by 15-LO-1, which was itself induced by IL-4. In murine nasal mucosa, the expression of leukocyte type-12-LO, a functional equivalent of 15-LO-1, reduced after postnatal day 7. Our findings suggest that 15-LO-1 is related to the differentiation of human nasal epithelium, and that it may mediate the mucociliary differentiation of human nasal epithelium.

Clues for new therapeutics in osteoporosis and periodontal disease: new roles for lipoxygenases?

Lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways are well appreciated for their ability to regulate key events contributing to the cardinal signs of inflammation. Recent evidence indicates that LOX genes are associated with osteoporosis. Also, overexpression of the 15-LOX Type 1 in transgenic rabbits leads to a reduced inflammatory phenotype and protection from periodontal disease, as well as atherosclerosis. Osteoporosis and inflammation-associated bone degradation, such as periodontitis, affect many individuals worldwide and are known to have pathogenesis that involves local mediators via communication between osteoclasts and osteoblasts during osteogenesis. Evidence has emerged indicating that LOX gene expression is associated with reduced bone strength in murine models of osteoporosis. Overexpression of the 15-LOX gene and its products, such as lipoxins, confers endogenous anti-inflammation. This article discusses the recent findings that may link aberrant LOX pathway expression in these diseases, suggesting new avenues for therapeutic approaches via activation of endogenous pathways for resolution of local inflammation.

Reduced inflammation and tissue damage in transgenic rabbits overexpressing 15-lipoxygenase and endogenous anti-inflammatory lipid mediators

PGs and leukotrienes (LTs) mediate cardinal signs of inflammation; hence, their enzymes are targets of current anti-inflammatory therapies. Products of arachidonate 15-lipoxygenases (LO) types I and II display both beneficial roles, such as lipoxins (LXs) that stereoselectively signal counterregulation, as well as potential deleterious actions (i.e., nonspecific phospholipid degradation). In this study, we examined transgenic (TG) rabbits overexpressing 15-LO type I and their response to inflammatory challenge. Skin challenges with either LTB(4) or IL-8 showed that 15-LO TG rabbits give markedly reduced neutrophil (PMN) recruitment and plasma leakage at dermal sites with LTB(4). PMN from TG rabbits also exhibited a dramatic reduction in LTB(4)-stimulated granular mobilization that was not evident with peptide chemoattractants. Leukocytes from 15-LO TG rabbits gave enhanced LX production, underscoring differences in lipid mediator profiles compared with non-TG rabbits. Microbe-associated inflammation and leukocyte-mediated bone destruction were assessed by initiating acute periodontitis. 15-LO TG rabbits exhibited markedly reduced bone loss and local inflammation. Because enhanced LX production was associated with an increased anti-inflammatory status of 15-LO TG rabbits, a stable analog of 5S,6R,15S-trihydroxyeicosa-7E,9E,11Z,13E-tetraenoic acid (LXA(4)) was applied to the gingival crevice subject to periodontitis. Topical application with the 15-epi-16-phenoxy-para-fluoro-LXA(4) stable analog (ATLa) dramatically reduced leukocyte infiltration, ensuing bone loss as well as inflammation. These results indicate that overexpression of 15-LO type I and LXA(4) is associated with dampened PMN-mediated tissue degradation and bone loss, suggesting that enhanced anti-inflammation status is an active process. Moreover, they suggest that LXs can be targets for novel approaches to diseases, e.g., periodontitis and arthritis, where inflammation and bone destruction are features.

Growth factor-induced proliferation in corneal epithelial cells is mediated by 12(S)-HETE

PURPOSE

Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12(S)-HETE), a product of 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) activity, is the predominant metabolite formed in rabbit corneas after injury. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) on 12-LOX expression and activity. We also investigated whether 12(S)-HETE mediated the growth factor-induced proliferation of corneal epithelial cells.

METHODS

Rabbit corneas were stimulated with EGF, HGF, and KGF (10 ng ml(-1)) for different times. 12-LOX activity was assayed by incubating corneal microsomal preparations with radiolabeled arachidonic acid (AA) as substrate. For inhibitor studies, the microsomes were pretreated with 12-LOX-specific inhibitors baicalein (BC) or cinnamyl 3,4-dihydroxy-(alpha)-cyanocinnamate (CDC). Lipid extracts were injected onto an Ultramex 5 microm C(18) column and radioactivity was monitored online by a Radiomatic Flo-One Beta detector. Stereochemical analysis of 12-HETE product was determined by chiral-phase HPLC. To evaluate the effects of growth factors on 12-LOX mRNA expression, mRNA was extracted at several time points (12, 24, 36, 48 hr) and subjected to real-time PCR. For 12-LOX protein expression, microsomal preparations from 24- and 48-hr incubations were analyzed by Western blot. In cell-proliferation studies, epithelial cells treated with EGF, HGF, or KGF for 24, 48, and 72 hr were measured with a CyQUANT cell-proliferation assay kit. To determine the role of growth factor-induced 12(S)-HETE synthesis on corneal epithelial cell proliferation, cells were pretreated with 12-LOX-specific inhibitors BC or CDC prior to growth-factor supplementation.

RESULTS

Stimulation with EGF, HGF, or KGF for 12 hr induced 12-LOX mRNA expression in rabbit corneal epithelial cells. This gene induction was followed by an increase in protein expression at 24 and 48 hr and a marked increase in 12(S)-HETE synthesis when compared to untreated controls. At 24-hr incubations, KGF showed a greater capacity than did EGF and HGF to stimulate microsomal 12-LOX activity, while at 48 hr 12(S)-HETE synthesis was significantly greater in EGF-treated cells as compared to that of HGF- and KGF-treated cells. Pretreatment with 12-LOX inhibitors blocked the growth factor-induced increase in 12(S)-HETE synthesis. Stimulation with growth factors or 12(S)-HETE for 24, 48, and 72hr produced a significant increase in corneal epithelial proliferation, which was partially inhibited by pretreatment of cells with 12-LOX-specific inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that EGF, HGF, and KGF stimulate 12(S)-HETE production in rabbit corneal epithelial cells through gene induction of 12-LOX. Furthermore, 12(S)-HETE may play a role in regulating epithelial cell proliferation and the rate of corneal re-epithelialization following an injury.

Transient experimental anemia in cholesterol-fed rabbits induces systemic overexpression of the reticulocyte-type 15-lipoxygenase and protects from aortic lipid deposition

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein has been implicated in atherogenesis and the lipid peroxidizing enzyme 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX) was suggested to be involved. For this study, we induced a strong and long-lasting systemic overexpression of the 15-LOX, in female New Zealand White rabbits by transient experimental anemia. After the hematopoietic parameters had returned to normal, these animals and age-matched controls were fed a lipid-rich Western-type diet for 10 weeks. Analyzing the lipid deposition in the aortic wall, we found that the 15-LOX overexpressing rabbits deposited significantly (P<0.01) less cholesteryl linoleate in the thoracic aorta than the corresponding controls. Similar results were obtained when free cholesterol and cholesteryl oleate were quantified. However, in the aortic arch where lipid deposition was much more severe a similar trend was observed, but the effects were not significant any more. Comparative determination (lipoxygenase overexpressing vs. control animals) of various plasma parameters as well as histological inspections of major organs did not reveal any indications for major organ malfunction. These data suggest that transient experimental anemia, which is accompanied by a long-lasting overexpression of the reticulocyte-type 15-LOX protects cholesterol-fed rabbits from lipid deposition in the aortic wall.

Mammalian arachidonate 15-lipoxygenases structure, function, and biological implications

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) constitute a heterogeneous family of lipid peroxidizing enzymes capable of oxygenating polyunsaturated fatty acids to their corresponding hydroperoxy derivatives. In mammals, LOXs are classified with respect to their positional specificity of arachidonic acid oxygenation into 5-, 8-, 12-, and 15-LOXs. Arachidonate 15-LOXs may be sub-classified into a reticulocyte-type (type-1) and an epidermis-type (type-2) enzyme. Since the leukocyte-type 12-LOXs are very similar to the reticulocyte-type 15-LOXs, these enzymes are designated 12/15-LOXs. Several LOX isoforms, in particular the reticulocyte-type 15-LOX and the human 5-LOX, are well characterized with respect to their structural and functional properties On the other hand, the biological role of most LOX-isozymes including the reticulocyte-type 15-LOC is far from clear. This review is intended to summarize the recent developments in 15-LOX research with particular emphasis to molecular enzymology and regulation of gene expression. In addition, the major hypotheses on the physiological and patho-physiological roles of 15-LOXs will be discussed briefly.

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenases

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase introduces a molecular oxygen at carbon 12 of arachidonic acid to generate a 12-hydroperoxy derivative. The enzymes generate 12-hydroperoxy derivatives with either S- or R-configurations. There are three isoforms of 12S-lipoxygenases named after the cells where they were first identified; platelet, leukocyte and epidermis. The leukocyte-type enzyme is widely distributed among cells, but the tissue distribution varies substantially from species to species. The platelet and epidermal enzymes are present in only a relatively limited number of cell types. Although the structures and enzymatic properties of the three isoforms of 12S-lipoxygenases have been elucidated, the physiological roles of the 12S-lipoxygenases are not yet fully understood. There are important roles for the enzymes and their products in several biological systems including those involved in atherosclerosis and neurotransmission.

Regulation of enzymatic lipid peroxidation: the interplay of peroxidizing and peroxide reducing enzymes

For a long time lipid peroxidation has only been considered a deleterious process leading to disruption of biomembranes and thus, to cellular dysfunction. However, when restricted to a certain cellular compartment and tightly regulated, lipid peroxidation may have beneficial effects. Early on during evolution of living organisms special lipid peroxidizing enzymes, called lipoxygenases, appeared and they have been conserved during phylogenesis of plants and animals. In fact, a diverse family of lipoxygenase isoforms has evolved starting from a putative ancient precursor. As with other enzymes, lipoxygenases are regulated on various levels of gene expression and there are endogenous antagonists controlling their cellular activity. Among the currently known mammalian lipoxygenase isoforms only 12/15-lipoxygenases are capable of directly oxygenating ester lipids even when they are bound to membranes and lipoproteins. Thus, these enzymes represent the pro-oxidative part in the cellular metabolism of complex hydroperoxy ester lipids. Its metabolic counterplayer, representing the antioxidative part, appears to be the phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme is unique among glutathione peroxidases because of its capability of reducing ester lipid hydroperoxides. Thus, 12/15-lipoxygenase and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase constitute a pair of antagonizing enzymes in the metabolism of hydroperoxy ester lipids, and a balanced regulation of the two proteins appears to be of major cell physiological importance. This review is aimed at summarizing the recent developments in the enzymology and molecular biology of 12/15-lipoxygenase and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase, with emphasis on cytokine-dependent regulation and their regulatory interplay.

15-lipoxygenase-1: a prooxidant enzyme

Human and rabbit reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase (15-lipoxygenase-1) and the leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenases (12/15-lipoxygenases) of pig, beef, mouse and rat constitute a particular subfamily of mammalian lipoxygenases (reticulocyte-type lipoxygenases) with unique properties and functions. They catalyze enzymatic lipid peroxidation in complex biological structures via direct dioxygenation of phospholipids and cholesterol esters of biomembranes and plasma lipoproteins. Moreover, they are a source of free radicals initiating non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation and other oxidative processes. Expression and activity of reticulocyte-type lipoxygenases are highly regulated. Moreover, the susceptibility of intracellular membranes toward these lipoxygenases is controlled and may be increased together with lipoxygenase activity under conditions of oxidative stress. Thus, oxidative stress may favor a concerted package of lipoxygenase-mediated enzymatic and non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation and co-oxidative processes. Reaction of reticulocyte-type lipoxygenases with low-density lipoprotein renders the latter atherogenic and appears to be involved in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions.

Suppression of 15-lipoxygenase synthesis by hnRNP E1 is dependent on repetitive nature of LOX mRNA 3'-UTR control element DICE

Cytidine-rich 15-lipoxygenase differentiation control element (15-LOX DICE) is a multifunctional cis-element found in the 3'-UTR of numerous eukaryotic mRNAs. It binds KH domain proteins of the type hnRNP E and K, thus mediating mRNA stabilization and translational control. Translational silencing is caused by formation of a simple binary complex between DICE and recombinant hnRNP E1 (E1). Electromobility shift assays and sucrose gradient centrifugation demonstrate that rabbit 15-LOX DICE, which is composed of ten subunits of the sequence (CCCCPuCCCUCUUCCCCAAG)10=10R, is able to bind up to ten molecules of E1. Protein/RNA interaction was studied with different subunits and submotifs of the 10R structure. Binding appears to be dependent on the degree of polymerization of the C-clusters (1R<2R<4R<10R), but not on their order. The minimal motif, which still functioned in E1 binding, contained two C-clusters (CCCCPuCCCUCUU). For efficient translational control, E1 binding is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition. Translational inhibition by E1 is only observed when at least a dimeric 2R configuration of the DICE is present in the 3'-UTR of a reporter mRNA. We conclude that binding of at least two E1 molecules activate or expose a binding site to enable the complex to interact with the 5'-end of the mRNA and the translational machinery. DICE-motifs are widely distributed in nature. The UTR database UTRnr contains 78 entries of mRNAs with 15-LOX DICEs. Most DICEs were two- to fourfold repetitive, but also highly repetitive structures were found, as in quail myelin protein mRNA (31 repeats) and hyperglycemic hormone mRNA of two crayfish species (nine and 11 repeats).

Structural basis for the positional specificity of lipoxygenases

The positional specificity of arachidonic acid oxygenation is currently the decisive parameter for classification of mammalian lipoxygenases but, unfortunately, the structural reasons for lipoxygenase specificity are not well understood. Although there are no direct structural data on lipoxygenase/substrate interaction, experiments with modified fatty acid substrates and mutagenesis studies suggest that for 12- and 15-lipoxygenases, arachidonic acid slides into the substrate-binding pocket with its methyl end ahead. For arachidonate 5- and/or 8-lipoxygenation two alternative models for the enzyme/substrate interaction have been developed: 1) The orientation-determined model and 2) the space-determined model. This review explores the experimental data available on the mechanistic reasons for lipoxygenase specificity and concludes that each of the above-mentioned hypotheses may be valid for arachidonate 5-lipoxygenation under certain circumstances.

Studies of lipoxygenases in the epithelium of cultured bovine cornea using an air interface model

Epithelial lipoxygenases of bovine cornea were investigated in organ culture models. Subcellular fractions of the epithelium were incubated with(14)C-labelled arachidonate and the metabolites were analysed. Bovine corneal epithelial cells contain 15-lipoxygenase type 2 and 12-lipoxygenases of the leukocyte and the platelet types. The 15-lipoxygenase activity was prominent in the cytosolic fraction. Twelve- and 15-lipoxygenases occurred in the microsomal fraction, where the 15-lipoxygenase activity appeared to be favoured by low protein levels. The lipoxygenase activities strongly declined within 24 hr when the cornea was covered with cell culture medium, but were maintained with high activity in an air interface organ culture model for at least 72 hr. Cultured corneas were studied in pairs in the air interface model under influence of inflammatory stimuli. The epithelial 15- and 12-lipoxygenase activities were only slightly augmented by treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (10 microM, 8-72 hr), and remained unchanged after treatment with lipopolysaccharide (1-100 microgram ml(-1), 8-72 hr) or UV irradiation (301 nm, 0.17 J cm(-2); 8-24 hr). In some experiments, 5-lipoxygenase activity was detectable, as judged from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and chiral chromatography. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis were therefore used to identify mRNA of 5-lipoxygenase and related enzymes in bovine epithelium. 5-Lipoxygenase was detected as an amplicon of 695 bp, which had 91% nucleotide sequence identity with human 5-lipoxygenase and by Northern blot as a 3.0 kb mRNA. Leukotriene A(4)hydrolase was detected with the same techniques. The amino acid sequence of a 612 bp fragment was 90% identical with human leukotriene A(4)hydrolase and the size of the mRNA was 2.7 kb. The two enzymes were also detected in human corneal epithelium by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

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.

Regulation of cellular 15-lipoxygenase activity on pretranslational, translational, and posttranslational levels

In mammalian cells, enzymatic lipid peroxidation catalyzed by 12/15-lipoxygenases is regulated by pretranslational, translational, and posttranslational processes. In rabbits, rats, and mice induction of experimental anemia leads to a systemic up-regulation of 12/15-lipoxygenases expression. In addition, interleukins-4 and -13 were identified as strong up-regulators of this enzyme in human and murine monocyte/macrophages and in the lung carcinoma cell line A549, and the interleukin-4(13) cell surface receptor as well as the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STATG) appears to be involved in the signal transduction cascade. On the level of translation, 15-lipoxygenase synthesis is blocked by the binding of regulatory proteins to a characteristic guanine-cytosine-rich repetitive element in the 3'-untranslated region of the rabbit 15-lipoxygenase mRNA, and the formation of such 15-lipoxygenase mRNA/protein complexes was identified as molecular reason for the translational inactivity of the 15-lipoxygenase mRNA in immature red blood cells. However, proteolytic breakdown of the regulatory proteins which were recently identified as hnRNP K and hnRNP E1 overcomes translational inhibition during later stages of reticulocyte maturation. For maximal intracellular activity, 12/15-lipoxygenases require a rise in cytosolic calcium concentration inducing a translocation of the enzyme from the cytosol to cellular membranes as well as small amounts of preformed hydroperoxides which act as essential activators of the enzymes. 12/15-Lipoxygenases undergo irreversible suicide inactivation during fatty acid oxygenation, and this process may be considered an element of down-regulation of enzyme activity. Suicide inactivation and proteolytic breakdown may contribute to the disappearance of functional 12/15-lipoxygenase at later stages of erythropoiesis.

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.

The diversity of the lipoxygenase family. Many sequence data but little information on biological significance

Lipoxygenases form a family of lipid peroxidising enzymes, which oxygenate free and esterified polyenoic fatty acids to the corresponding hydroperoxy derivatives. They are widely distributed in both the plant and animal kingdoms. During the last couple of years more and more lipoxygenase isoforms have been discovered but for most of them the biological significance remains unclear. This review attempts to classify the currently known mammalian lipoxygenase isoforms and critically reviews the concepts for their biological importance.

Expression of leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase and reticulocyte-type 15-lipoxygenase in rabbits

From a rabbit reticulocyte library a full length cDNA was isolated which predicted a novel lipoxygenase (LOX) sharing 99% identical amino acids with the rabbit 15-lipoxygenase. HPLC product analysis of the bacterially expressed protein identified it as a leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase (1.12-LOX). This proves the co-expression of a 15-lipoxygenase and a 1.12-lipoxygenase in one mammalian species. Among the six amino acids that are different to rabbit 15-lipoxygenase, leucine 353 is shown to be the primary determinant for 12-positional specificity. In the 3'-untranslated region of the 12-LOX-mRNA a CU-rich, 20-fold repetitive element has been found, closely related to the differentiation control element (DICE) of the rabbit 15-LOX-mRNA which is organized by ten repeats of 19 bases. By genomic PCR the 3'-terminal part of the gene for the novel 12-lipoxygenase containing the introns 10-13 has been amplified and sequenced. The introns were very similar in length to the corresponding 15-lipoxygenase introns with 89% to 95% identical nucleotide sequences. By screening a rabbit reticulocyte library an alternative 15-lipoxygenase transcript of 3.6 kb has been detected containing a 1019 nucleotides longer 3'-untranslated region (UTR2) than the main 2.6 kb mRNA. The determination of the tissue distribution by Northern blotting showed that the 3.6 kb mRNA2 was only expressed in non-erythroid tissues, whereas the 2.6 kb mRNA1 was exclusively expressed in reticulocytes. The only cell type which has been found to express the 1.12-lipoxygenase abundantly are monocytes. The results indicate that the expression of 1.12-lipoxygenase and 15-lipoxygenase is highly regulated. The UTR2 of the 15-LOX-mRNA2 contained a novel eight-fold repetitive CU-rich motif of 23 bases length which is related but not identical to the DICE of 19 bases in the UTR1. The analysis of a genomic recombinant of the complete 9.0 kb Alox15 gene confirmed that UTR1 and UTR2 are not interrupted by an additional intron.

Interleukin-4 and -13 Induce Upregulation of the Murine Macrophage 12/15-Lipoxygenase Activity: Evidence for the Involvement of Transcription Factor STAT6

When human monocytes or alveolar macrophages are cultured in the presence of interleukin (IL)-4 or IL-13, the expression of the reticulocyte-type 15-lipoxygenase is induced. In mice a 15-lipoxygenase is not expressed, but a leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase is present in peritoneal macrophages. To investigate whether both lipoxygenase isoforms exhibit a similar regulatory response toward cytokine stimulation, we studied the regulation of the leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase of murine peritoneal macrophages by interleukins and found that the activity of this enzyme is upregulated in a dose-dependent manner when the cells were cultured in the presence of the IL-4 or IL-13 but not by IL-10. When peripheral murine monocytes that do not express the lipoxygenase were treated with IL-4 expression of 12/15-lipoxygenase mRNA was induced, suggesting pretranslational control mechanisms. In contrast, no upregulation of the lipoxygenase activity was observed when the macrophages were prepared from homozygous STAT6-deficient mice. Peritoneal macrophages of transgenic mice that systemically overexpress IL-4 exhibited a threefold to fourfold higher 12-lipoxygenase activity than cells prepared from control animals. A similar upregulation of 12-lipoxygenase activity was detected in heart, spleen, and lung of the transgenic animals. Moreover, a strong induction of the enzyme was observed in red cells during experimental anemia in mice. The data presented here indicate that (1) the 12-lipoxygenase activity of murine macrophages is upregulated in vitro and in vivo by IL-4 and/or IL-13, (2) this upregulation requires expression of the transcription factor STAT6, and (3) the constitutive expression of the enzyme appears to be STAT6 independent. The cytokine-dependent upregulation of the murine macrophage 12-lipoxygenase and its induction during experimental anemia suggests its close relatedness with the human reticulocyte-type 15-lipoxygenase despite their differences in the positional specificity of arachidonic acid oxygenation.

Interleukin-4 and -13 Induce Upregulation of the Murine Macrophage 12/15-Lipoxygenase Activity: Evidence for the Involvement of Transcription Factor STAT6

When human monocytes or alveolar macrophages are cultured in the presence of interleukin (IL)-4 or IL-13, the expression of the reticulocyte-type 15-lipoxygenase is induced. In mice a 15-lipoxygenase is not expressed, but a leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase is present in peritoneal macrophages. To investigate whether both lipoxygenase isoforms exhibit a similar regulatory response toward cytokine stimulation, we studied the regulation of the leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase of murine peritoneal macrophages by interleukins and found that the activity of this enzyme is upregulated in a dose-dependent manner when the cells were cultured in the presence of the IL-4 or IL-13 but not by IL-10. When peripheral murine monocytes that do not express the lipoxygenase were treated with IL-4 expression of 12/15-lipoxygenase mRNA was induced, suggesting pretranslational control mechanisms. In contrast, no upregulation of the lipoxygenase activity was observed when the macrophages were prepared from homozygous STAT6-deficient mice. Peritoneal macrophages of transgenic mice that systemically overexpress IL-4 exhibited a threefold to fourfold higher 12-lipoxygenase activity than cells prepared from control animals. A similar upregulation of 12-lipoxygenase activity was detected in heart, spleen, and lung of the transgenic animals. Moreover, a strong induction of the enzyme was observed in red cells during experimental anemia in mice. The data presented here indicate that (1) the 12-lipoxygenase activity of murine macrophages is upregulated in vitro and in vivo by IL-4 and/or IL-13, (2) this upregulation requires expression of the transcription factor STAT6, and (3) the constitutive expression of the enzyme appears to be STAT6 independent. The cytokine-dependent upregulation of the murine macrophage 12-lipoxygenase and its induction during experimental anemia suggests its close relatedness with the human reticulocyte-type 15-lipoxygenase despite their differences in the positional specificity of arachidonic acid oxygenation.