Location, location, location: compartmentalization of early events in leukotriene biosynthesis

Arachidonic acid metabolism in health and disease

Arachidonic acid (AA), an n-6 essential fatty acid, is a major component of mammalian cells and can be released by phospholipase A2. Accumulating evidence indicates that AA plays essential biochemical roles, as it is the direct precursor of bioactive lipid metabolites of eicosanoids such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid obtained from three distinct enzymatic metabolic pathways: the cyclooxygenase pathway, lipoxygenase pathway, and cytochrome P450 pathway. AA metabolism is involved not only in cell differentiation, tissue development, and organ function but also in the progression of diseases, such as hepatic fibrosis, neurodegeneration, obesity, diabetes, and cancers. These eicosanoids are generally considered proinflammatory molecules, as they can trigger oxidative stress and stimulate the immune response. Therefore, interventions in AA metabolic pathways are effective ways to manage inflammatory-related diseases in the clinic. Currently, inhibitors targeting enzymes related to AA metabolic pathways are an important area of drug discovery. Moreover, many advances have also been made in clinical studies of AA metabolic inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Herein, we review the discovery of AA and focus on AA metabolism in relation to health and diseases. Furthermore, inhibitors targeting AA metabolism are summarized, and potential clinical applications are discussed.

Enhanced Membrane Fluidization and Cholesterol Displacement by 1-Heptanol Inhibit Mast Cell Effector Functions

Signal transduction by the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) depends on membrane lipid and protein compartmentalization. Recently published data show that cells treated with 1-heptanol, a cell membrane fluidizer, exhibit changes in membrane properties. However, the functional consequences of 1-heptanol-induced changes on mast cell signaling are unknown. This study shows that short-term exposure to 1-heptanol reduces membrane thermal stability and dysregulates mast cell signaling at multiple levels. Cells treated with 1-heptanol exhibited increased lateral mobility and decreased internalization of the FcεRI. However, this did not affect the initial phosphorylation of the FcεRI-β chain and components of the SYK/LAT1/PLCγ1 signaling pathway after antigen activation. In contrast, 1-heptanol inhibited SAPK/JNK phosphorylation and effector functions such as calcium response, degranulation, and cytokine production. Membrane hyperfluidization induced a heat shock-like response via increased expression of the heat shock protein 70, increased lateral diffusion of ORAI1-mCherry, and unsatisfactory performance of STIM1-ORAI1 coupling, as determined by flow-FRET. Furthermore, 1-heptanol inhibited the antigen-induced production of reactive oxygen species and potentiated stress-induced plasma membrane permeability by interfering with heat shock protein 70 activity. The combined data suggest that 1-heptanol-mediated membrane fluidization does not interfere with the earliest biochemical steps of FcεRI signaling, such as phosphorylation of the FcεRI-β chain and components of the SYK/LAT/PLCγ1 signaling pathway, instead inhibiting the FcεRI internalization and mast cell effector functions, including degranulation and cytokine production.

Gram-Negative Bacteria Salmonella typhimurium Boost Leukotriene Synthesis Induced by Chemoattractant fMLP to Stimulate Neutrophil Swarming

Leukotriene synthesis in neutrophils is critical for host survival during infection. In particular, leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) is a powerful neutrophil chemoattractant that plays a crucial role in neutrophil swarming. In this work, we demonstrated that preincubation of human neutrophils with Salmonella typhimurium strongly stimulated LTB₄ production induced by the bacterial chemoattractant, peptide N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-l-phenylalanine (fMLP), while the reverse sequence of additions was ineffective. Preincubation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide or yeast polysaccharide zymosan particles gives weaker effect on fMLP-induced LTB₄ production. Activation of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), a key enzyme in leukotrienes biosynthesis, depends on rise of cytosolic concentration of Ca²⁺ and on translocation of the enzyme to the nuclear membrane. Both processes were stimulated by S. typhimurium. With an increase in the bacteria:neutrophil ratio, the transformation of LTB₄ to ω-OH-LTB₄ was suppressed, which further supported increased concentration of LTB₄. These data indicate that in neutrophils gathered around bacterial clusters, LTB₄ production is stimulated and at the same time its transformation is suppressed, which promotes neutrophil swarming and elimination of pathogens simultaneously.

Paralog- and ortholog-specificity of inhibitors of human and mouse lipoxygenase-isoforms

Lipoxygenases (ALOX-isoforms) are lipid peroxidizing enzymes, which have been implicated in cell differentiation and maturation but also in the biosynthesis of lipid mediators playing important roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory, hyperproliferative and neurological diseases. In mammals these enzymes are widely distributed and the human genome involves six functional genes encoding for six distinct human ALOX paralogs. In mice, there is an orthologous enzyme for each human ALOX paralog but the catalytic properties of human and mouse ALOX orthologs show remarkable differences. ALOX inhibitors are frequently employed for deciphering the biological role of these enzymes in mouse models of human diseases but owing to the functional differences between mouse and human ALOX orthologs the uncritical use of such inhibitors is sometimes misleading. In this study we evaluated the paralog- and ortholog-specificity of 13 frequently employed ALOX-inhibitors against four recombinant human and mouse ALOX paralogs (ALOX15, ALOX15B, ALOX12, ALOX5) under different experimental conditions. Our results indicated that except for zileuton, which exhibits a remarkable paralog-specificity for mouse and human ALOX5, no other inhibitor was strictly paralog specific but some compounds exhibit an interesting ortholog-specificity. Because of the variable isoform specificities of the currently available ALOX inhibitors care must be taken when the biological effects of these compounds observed in complex in vitro and in vivo systems are interpreted.

Leukotriene inhibition and the risk of lung cancer among U.S. veterans with asthma

Leukotriene inhibition, in vitro and in vivo, is found to suppress tumor growth across a variety of cancer cells. A mouse model of lung cancer revealed that the leukotriene inhibitor montelukast induced lung cancer cell death. Based on the preclinical data we hypothesize that exposure to a leukotriene inhibitor is associated with a lower risk of lung cancer. We conducted a national retrospective cohort study among U.S. Veterans with asthma to explore the relationship between leukotriene inhibition and incident lung cancer. We utilize a variety of statistical techniques, including cox proportional hazards models, propensity score matching and falsification testing to examine the association. A total of 558,466 patients met study criteria consisting of 23,730 patients with leukotriene exposure and 534,736 patients with no leukotriene medication use. Leukotriene inhibitor exposure reduced the risk of lung cancer by 17% (HR = 0.830; 95% CI = (0.757-0.911)) in the unmatched and 22.2% in the matched analysis (HR = 0.778 95% CI = (0.688-0.88)). Falsification testing with appendicitis and rotator cuff injury end points, suggest no evidence of selection bias. However, because treatment was not randomized, residual confounding cannot be ruled out. The pre-clinical data on leukotriene inhibition and lung cancer combined with our database analysis provide intriguing evidence warranting further research into the relationship between leukotrienes and lung cancer.

Tuft cells in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and asthma

OBJECTIVE

To review the latest discoveries regarding the role of tuft cells in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyposis and asthma.

DATA SOURCES

Reviews and primary research manuscripts were identified from PubMed, Google, and bioRxiv using the search words airway epithelium, nasal polyposis, CRS or asthma and chemoreceptor cell, solitary chemosensory cell, brush cell, microvillus cell, and tuft cell.

STUDY SELECTIONS

Studies were selected on the basis of novelty and likely relevance to the functions of tuft cells in chronic inflammatory diseases in the upper and lower airways.

RESULTS

Tuft cells coordinate a variety of immune responses throughout the body. After the activation of bitter-taste receptors, tuft cells coordinate the secretion of antimicrobial products by adjacent epithelial cells and initiate the calcium-dependent release of acetylcholine resulting in neurogenic inflammation, including mast cell degranulation and plasma extravasation. Tuft cells are also the dominant source of interleukin-25 and a significant source of cysteinyl leukotrienes that play a role in initiating inflammatory processes in the airway. Tuft cells have also been found to seem de novo in the distal airway after a viral infection, implicating these cells in dysplastic remodeling in the distal lung in the pathogenesis of asthma.

CONCLUSION

Tuft cells bridge innate and adaptive immunes responses and play an upstream role in initiating type 2 inflammation in the upper and possibly the lower airway. The role of tuft cells in respiratory pathophysiology must be further investigated, because tuft cells are putative high-value therapeutic targets for novel therapeutics in CRS with nasal polyps and asthma.

Phosphorylation of 5-LOX: The Potential Set-point of Inflammation

Inflammation secondary to tissue injuries serves as a double-edged sword that determines the prognosis of tissue repair. As one of the most important enzymes controlling the inflammation process by producing leukotrienes, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX, also called 5-LO) has been one of the therapeutic targets in regulating inflammation for a long time. Although a large number of 5-LOX inhibitors have been explored, only a few of them can be applied clinically. Surprisingly, phosphorylation of 5-LOX reveals great significance in regulating the subcellular localization of 5-LOX, which has proven to be an important mechanism underlying the enzymatic activities of 5-LOX. There are at least three phosphorylation sites in 5-LOX jointly to determine the final inflammatory outcomes, and adjustment of phosphorylation of 5-LOX at different phosphorylation sites brings hope to provide an unrecognized means to regulate inflammation. The present review intends to shed more lights into the set-point-like mechanisms of phosphorylation of 5-LOX and its possible clinical application by summarizing the biological properties of 5-LOX, the relationship of 5-LOX with neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries, the phosphorylation of 5-LOX at different sites, the regulatory effects and mechanisms of phosphorylated 5-LOX upon inflammation, as well as the potential anti-inflammatory application through balancing the phosphorylation-depended set-point.

Arachidonic acid promotes the binding of 5-lipoxygenase on nanodiscs containing 5-lipoxygenase activating protein in the absence of calcium-ions

Among the first steps in inflammation is the conversion of arachidonic acid (AA) stored in the cell membranes into leukotrienes. This occurs mainly in leukocytes and depends on the interaction of two proteins: 5-lipoxygenase (5LO), stored away from the nuclear membranes until use and 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP), a transmembrane, homotrimeric protein, constitutively present in nuclear membrane. We could earlier visualize the binding of 5LO to nanodiscs in the presence of Ca²⁺-ions by the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on samples negatively stained by sodium phosphotungstate. In the absence of Ca²⁺-ions 5LO did not bind to the membrane. In the present communication, FLAP reconstituted in the nanodiscs which could be purified if the His-tag was located on the FLAP C-terminus but not the N-terminus. Our aim was to find out if 1) 5LO would bind in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner also when FLAP is present? 2) Would the substrate (AA) have effects on 5LO binding to FLAP-nanodiscs? TEM was used to assess the complex formation between 5LO and FLAP-nanodiscs along with, sucrose gradient purification, gel-electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. It was found that presence of AA by itself induces complex formation in the absence of added calcium. This finding corroborates that AA is necessary for the complex formation and that a Ca²⁺-flush is mainly needed for the recruitment of 5LO to the membrane. Our results also showed that the addition of Ca²⁺-ions promoted binding of 5LO on the FLAP-nanodiscs as was also the case for nanodiscs without FLAP incorporated. In the absence of added substances no 5LO-FLAP complex was formed. Another finding is that the formation of a 5LO-FLAP complex appears to induce fragmentation of 5LO in vitro.

Impact of Androgens on Inflammation-Related Lipid Mediator Biosynthesis in Innate Immune Cells

Rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergic rhinitis and many other disorders related to an aberrant immune response have a higher incidence and severity in women than in men. Emerging evidences from scientific studies indicate that the activity of the immune system is superior in females and that androgens may act as “immunosuppressive” molecules with inhibitory effects on inflammatory reactions. Among the multiple factors that contribute to the inflammatory response, lipid mediators (LM), produced from polyunsaturated fatty acids, represent a class of bioactive small molecules with pivotal roles in the onset, maintenance and resolution of inflammation. LM encompass pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM) that coexist in a tightly regulated balance necessary for the return to homeostasis. Innate immune cells including neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages possess high capacities to generate distinct LM. In the last decades it became more and more evident that sex represents an important variable in the regulation of inflammation where sex hormones play crucial roles. Recent findings showed that the biosynthesis of inflammation-related LM is sex-biased and that androgens impact LM formation with consequences not only for pathophysiology but also for pharmacotherapy. Here, we review the modulation of the inflammatory response by sex and androgens with a specific focus on LM pathways. In particular, we highlight the impact of androgens on the biosynthetic pathway of inflammation-related eicosanoids in innate immune cells.

Toll-like receptor signaling induces a temporal switch towards a resolving lipid profile in monocyte-derived macrophages

Inflammation is a tightly regulated process. During the past decade it has become clear that the resolution of inflammation is an active process and its dysregulation can contribute to chronic inflammation. Several cells and soluble mediators, including lipid mediators, regulate the course of inflammation and its resolution. It is, however, unclear which signals and cells are involved in initiating the resolution process. Macrophages are tissue resident cells and key players in regulating tissue inflammation through secretion of soluble mediators, including lipids. We hypothesize that persistent inflammatory stimuli can initiate resolution pathways in macrophages. In this study, we detected 21 lipids in LPS-stimulated human monocyte-derived macrophages by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Cyclooxygenase-derived Prostaglandins were observed in the first six hours of stimulation. Interestingly, a switch towards 15-lipoxygenase products, such as the pro-resolving lipid precursors 15-HEPE and 17-HDHA was observed after 24 h. The RNA and protein expression of cyclooxygenase and 15-lipoxygenase were in line with this trend. Treatment with 17-HDHA increased IL-10 production of monocyte-derived macrophages and decreased LTB₄ production by neutrophils, indicating the anti-inflammatory property of this lipid. These data reveal that monocyte-derived macrophages contribute to the resolution of inflammation in time by the production of pro-resolving lipids after an initial inflammatory stimulus.

Emerging roles for the nucleus during neutrophil signal relay and NETosis

The nucleus houses and protects genomic DNA, which is surrounded by the nuclear envelope. Owing to its size and stiffness, the nucleus is often a barrier to migration through confined spaces. Neutrophils are terminally differentiated, short-lived cells that migrate through tissues in response to injury and infections. The neutrophil nucleus is soft, multilobular, and exhibits altered levels of key nuclear envelope proteins. These alterations result in a multifunctional organelle that serves as a signaling hub during migration and NETosis, a process by which neutrophils release decondensed chromatin decorated with granular enzymes that entrap pathogens. In this review, we present emerging evidence suggesting that a unique, ambiguous cell-cycle state is critical for NETosis and migration. Finally, we discuss how the mechanisms underlying migration and NETosis are evolutionarily conserved.

Iron-Dependent Trafficking of 5-Lipoxygenase and Impact on Human Macrophage Activation

5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) is a non-heme iron-containing dioxygenase expressed in immune cells that catalyzes the two initial steps in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes. It is well known that 5-LOX activation in innate immunity cells is related to different iron-associated pro-inflammatory disorders, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and atherosclerosis. However, the molecular and cellular mechanism(s) underlying the interplay between iron and 5-LOX activation are largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated whether iron (in the form of Fe³⁺ and hemin) might modulate 5-LOX influencing its membrane binding, subcellular distribution, and functional activity. We proved by fluorescence resonance energy transfer approach that metal removal from the recombinant human 5-LOX, not only altered the catalytic activity of the enzyme, but also impaired its membrane-binding. To ascertain whether iron can modulate the subcellular distribution of 5-LOX in immune cells, we exposed THP-1 macrophages and human primary macrophages to exogenous iron. Cells exposed to increasing amounts of Fe³⁺ showed a redistribution (ranging from ~45 to 75%) of the cytosolic 5-LOX to the nuclear fraction. Accordingly, confocal microscopy revealed that acute exposure to extracellular Fe³⁺, as well as hemin, caused an overt increase in the nuclear fluorescence of 5-LOX, accompanied by a co-localization with the 5-LOX activating protein (FLAP) both in THP-1 macrophages and human macrophages. The functional relevance of iron overloading was demonstrated by a marked induction of the expression of interleukin-6 in iron-treated macrophages. Importantly, pre-treatment of cells with the iron-chelating agent deferoxamine completely abolished the hemin-dependent translocation of 5-LOX to the nuclear fraction, and significantly reverted its effect on interleukin-6 overexpression. These results suggest that exogenous iron modulates the biological activity of 5-LOX in macrophages by increasing its ability to bind to nuclear membranes, further supporting a role for iron in inflammation-based diseases where its homeostasis is altered and suggesting further evidence of risks related to iron overload.

Trauma and hemorrhagic shock activate molecular association of 5-lipoxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase-Activating protein in lung tissue

BACKGROUND

Post-traumatic lung injury following trauma and hemorrhagic shock (T/HS) is associated with significant morbidity. Leukotriene-induced inflammation has been implicated in the development of post-traumatic lung injury through a mechanism that is only partially understood. Postshock mesenteric lymph returning to the systemic circulation is rich in arachidonic acid, the substrate of 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5). ALOX5 is the rate-limiting enzyme in leukotriene synthesis and, following T/HS, contributes to the development of lung dysfunction. ALOX5 colocalizes with its cofactor, 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (ALOX5AP), which is thought to potentiate ALOX5 synthetic activity. We hypothesized that T/HS results in the molecular association and nuclear colocalization of ALOX5 and ALOX5AP, which ultimately increases leukotriene production and potentiates lung injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To examine these molecular interactions, a rat T/HS model was used. Post-T/HS tissue was evaluated for lung injury through both histologic analysis of lung sections and biochemical analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Lung tissue was immunostained for ALOX5 and ALOX5AP with association and colocalization evaluated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. In addition, rats undergoing T/HS were treated with MK-886, a known ALOX5AP inhibitor.

RESULTS

ALOX5 levels increase and ALOX5/ALOX5AP association occurred after T/HS, as evidenced by increases in total tissue fluorescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal intensity, respectively. These findings coincided with increased leukotriene production and with the histological changes characteristic of lung injury. ALOX5/ALOX5AP complex formation, leukotriene production, and lung injury were decreased after inhibition of ALOX5AP with MK-886.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the association of ALOX5/ALOX5AP contributes to leukotriene-induced inflammation and predisposes the T/HS animal to lung injury.

Structural Dynamics of 15-Lipoxygenase-2 via Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange

Eicosanoids are inflammatory signaling lipids that are biosynthesized in response to cellular injury or threat. They were originally thought to be pro-inflammatory molecules, but members of at least one subclass, the lipoxins, are able to resolve inflammation. One step in lipoxin synthesis is the oxygenation of arachidonic acid by 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX). 15-LOX contains two domains: a Ca²⁺ binding PLAT domain and a catalytic domain. 15-LOX is a soluble cytosolic protein until binding of Ca²⁺ to the PLAT domain promotes translocation to the membrane surface. The role of 15-LOX structural dynamics in this translocation has remained unclear. We investigated the dynamics of 15-LOX isoform B (15-LOX-2) upon binding of Ca²⁺ and ligands, as well as upon membrane association using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). We used HDX-MS to probe the solvent accessibility and backbone flexibility of 15-LOX-2, revealing significant differences in deuterium incorporation between the PLAT and catalytic domains, with the PLAT domain demonstrating higher flexibility. Comparison of HDX for 15-LOX-2 in the presence and absence of Ca²⁺ indicates there are few differences in structural dynamics. Furthermore, our HDX results involving nanodisc-associated 15-LOX-2 suggest that significant structural and dynamic changes in 15-LOX-2 are not required for membrane association. Our results also show that a substrate lipid binding to the active site in the catalytic domain does induce changes in incorporation of deuterium into the PLAT domain. Overall, our results challenge the previous hypothesis that Ca²⁺ binding induces major structural changes in the PLAT domain and support the hypothesis that is interdomain communication in 15-LOX-2.

Catalytic Conversion of Lipophilic Substrates by Phase constrained Enzymes in the Aqueous or in the Membrane Phase

Both soluble and membrane-bound enzymes can catalyze the conversion of lipophilic substrates. The precise substrate access path, with regard to phase, has however, until now relied on conjecture from enzyme structural data only (certainly giving credible and valuable hypotheses). Alternative methods have been missing. To obtain the first experimental evidence directly determining the access paths (of lipophilic substrates) to phase constrained enzymes we here describe the application of a BODIPY-derived substrate (PS1). Using this tool, which is not accessible to cytosolic enzymes in the presence of detergent and, by contrast, not accessible to membrane embedded enzymes in the absence of detergent, we demonstrate that cytosolic and microsomal glutathione transferases (GSTs), both catalyzing the activation of PS1, do so only within their respective phases. This approach can serve as a guideline to experimentally validate substrate access paths, a fundamental property of phase restricted enzymes. Examples of other enzyme classes with members in both phases are xenobiotic-metabolizing sulphotransferases/UDP-glucuronosyl transferases or epoxide hydrolases. Since specific GSTs have been suggested to contribute to tumor drug resistance, PS1 can also be utilized as a tool to discriminate between phase constrained members of these enzymes by analyzing samples in the absence and presence of Triton X-100.

Impact of simultaneous stimulation of 5-lipoxygenase and myeloperoxidase in human neutrophils

Human neutrophil 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) oxidizes arachidonic acid (AA) to 5S-hydro(pero)xy-6E,8Z,11Z, 14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-H(p)ETE) and leukotriene (LT)A4, which is further converted to the chemoattractant LTB4. These cells contain also the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) producing several potent oxidants such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Previously, it was shown that MPO-metabolites influence 5-LOX product formation. Here, we addressed the question, whether a simultaneous activation of MPO and 5-LOX in neutrophils results in comparable changes of 5-LOX activity. Human neutrophils were stimulated with H2O2 or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for MPO activation and subsequently treated with calcium ionophore A23187 inducing 5-LOX product formation on endogenous AA. Special attention was drawn to neutrophil vitality, formation of MPO-derived metabolites and redox status. The pre-stimulation with H2O2 resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in the ratio of 5-HETE to the sum of LTB4+6-trans-LTB4 in consequence of MPO activation. Thereby no impairment of cell vitality and only a slightly reduction of total glutathione level was observed. An influence of MPO on 5-LOX product formation could be suggested using an MPO inhibitor. In contrast, the pre-stimulation with PMA resulted in different changes of 5-LOX product formation leading to a reduced amount of 5-HETE unaffected by MPO inhibition. Furthermore, impaired cell vitality and diminished redox status was detected after PMA stimulation. Nevertheless, a MPO-induced diminution of LTB4 was obvious. Further work is necessary to define the type of 5-LOX modification and investigate the effect of physiological MPO activators.

Impact of myeloperoxidase-derived oxidants on the product profile of human 5-lipoxygenase

Human 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) oxidizes arachidonic acid to 5S-hydroperoxy-6 E,8 Z,11 Z,14 Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HpETE) and leukotriene (LT) A4. In neutrophils, LTA4 is further converted to the potent chemoattractant LTB4. These cells also contain the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), which produces several potent oxidants such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which are involved in pathogen defense and immune regulation. Here, we addressed the question whether MPO-derived oxidants are able to affect the activity of 5-LOX and the product profile of this enzyme. Human 5-LOX was incubated with increasing amounts of HOCl or HOBr. Afterward, arachidonic acid metabolites of 5-LOX were analyzed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography as well as by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. The incubation of 5-LOX with the MPO-derived oxidants significantly changed the product profile of 5-LOX. Thereby, HOCl and HOBr increased the ratio of 5-H(p)ETE to 6-trans-LTB4 in a concentration-dependent manner. At low oxidant concentrations, there was a strong decrease in the yield of 6-trans-LTB4, whereas 5-HpETE did not change or increased. Additionally, the formation of 8-HpETE and 12-HpETE by 5-LOX rose slightly with increasing HOCl and HOBr. Comparable results were obtained with the MPO-H2O2-Cl(-) system when glucose oxidase and glucose were applied as a source of H2O2. This was necessary because of a strong impairment of 5-LOX activity by H2O2. In summary, MPO-derived oxidants showed a considerable impact on 5-LOX, impairing the epoxidation of 5-HpETE, whereas the hydroperoxidation of arachidonic acid was unaffected. Apparently, this was caused by an oxidative modification of critical amino acid residues of 5-LOX. Further work is necessary to assess the specific type and position of oxidation in the substrate-binding cavity of 5-LOX and to specify whether this interaction between 5-LOX and MPO-derived oxidants also takes place in stimulated neutrophils.

Eicosanoid storm in infection and inflammation

Controlled immune responses to infection and injury involve complex molecular signalling networks with coordinated and often opposing actions. Eicosanoids and related bioactive lipid mediators derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids constitute a major bioactive lipid network that is among the most complex and challenging pathways to map in a physiological context. Eicosanoid signalling, similar to cytokine signalling and inflammasome formation, has primarily been viewed as a pro-inflammatory component of the innate immune response; however, recent advances in lipidomics have helped to elucidate unique eicosanoids and related docosanoids with anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution functions. This has advanced our overall understanding of the inflammatory response and its therapeutic implications. The induction of a pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory eicosanoid storm through the activation of inflammatory receptors by infectious agents is reviewed here.

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.

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1, ABCC1), a "multitasking" ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter

The multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) encoded by ABCC1 was originally discovered as a cause of multidrug resistance in tumor cells. However, it is now clear that MRP1 serves a broader role than simply mediating the ATP-dependent efflux of drugs from cells. The antioxidant GSH and the pro-inflammatory cysteinyl leukotriene C4 have been identified as key physiological organic anions effluxed by MRP1, and an ever growing body of evidence indicates that additional lipid-derived mediators are also substrates of this transporter. As such, MRP1 is a multitasking transporter that likely influences the etiology and progression of a host of human diseases.

Targeting 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

INTRODUCTION

In asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there is an unmet therapeutic need for the anti-inflammatory therapies, and the identification of therapeutic targets and potent corresponding therapies is necessary. Although inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene modifiers are most effective in asthma they are still not always capable of appropriately controlling the disease. In COPD, the therapeutic gap is even larger because inhaled corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory therapies are not beneficial in all disease subsets.

AREAS COVERED

The role of the 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) in generating proinflammatory molecules such as leukotrienes is discussed, highlighting, in particular, its potential as a therapeutic target in asthma and COPD. The preclinical data on FLAP inhibitors are discussed. The clinical data on the FLAP inhibitors investigated so far for these diseases are analyzed.

EXPERT OPINION

FLAP inhibitors have emerged during the past decade as a promising therapeutic class in asthma and COPD, but there exists only a limited amount of data supporting their efficacy in these diseases. This might be due to the fact that the development of some of the molecules discussed was abandoned. Such therapies might be of particular interest in COPD and in asthma-COPD overlap syndrome.

5-Lipoxygenase, a key enzyme for leukotriene biosynthesis in health and disease

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) catalyzes two steps in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes (LTs), lipid mediators of inflammation derived from arachidonic acid. In this review we focus on 5-LOX biochemistry including 5-LOX interacting proteins and regulation of enzyme activity. LTs function in normal host defense, and have roles in many disease states where acute or chronic inflammation is part of the pathophysiology, as briefly summarized at the end of this chapter. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Oxygenated metabolism of PUFA: analysis and biological relevance".

Phospholipase A2 regulates eicosanoid class switching during inflammasome activation

Initiation and resolution of inflammation are considered to be tightly connected processes. Lipoxins (LX) are proresolution lipid mediators that inhibit phlogistic neutrophil recruitment and promote wound-healing macrophage recruitment in humans via potent and specific signaling through the LXA4 receptor (ALX). One model of lipoxin biosynthesis involves sequential metabolism of arachidonic acid by two cell types expressing a combined transcellular metabolon. It is currently unclear how lipoxins are efficiently formed from precursors or if they are directly generated after receptor-mediated inflammatory commitment. Here, we provide evidence for a pathway by which lipoxins are generated in macrophages as a consequence of sequential activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a receptor for endotoxin, and P2X7, a purinergic receptor for extracellular ATP. Initial activation of TLR4 results in accumulation of the cyclooxygenase-2-derived lipoxin precursor 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) in esterified form within membrane phospholipids, which can be enhanced by aspirin (ASA) treatment. Subsequent activation of P2X7 results in efficient hydrolysis of 15-HETE from membrane phospholipids by group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A2, and its conversion to bioactive lipoxins by 5-lipoxygenase. Our results demonstrate how a single immune cell can store a proresolving lipid precursor and then release it for bioactive maturation and secretion, conceptually similar to the production and inflammasome-dependent maturation of the proinflammatory IL-1 family cytokines. These findings provide evidence for receptor-specific and combinatorial control of pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoid biosynthesis, and potential avenues to modulate inflammatory indices without inhibiting downstream eicosanoid pathways.

Fluctuations of an exposed π-helix involved in lipoxygenase substrate recognition

The second helix in lipoxygenases adapts to permit substrate access to the active site, but details of this process are varied and poorly understood. We therefore examined the dynamics of helix 2 in solutions of spin-labeled soybean lipoxygenase-1 and spin relaxation at 60 K of the spin-labels by catalytic iron. Helix 2 in soybean lipoxygenase structures is surface-exposed and contains one turn of π-helix, centrally located. A site-directed spin-label scan of 18 of the 21 helix 2 residues, and electron paramagnetic resonance, showed that the π-helical segment became unusually mobile, on a nanosecond time scale, under conditions favoring substrate binding (pH 9 and lipid addition), while segments before and after had relatively unchanged dynamics. Backbone dynamics of residues in the π-helical segment appeared to be correlated, at pH 9. Samples also were frozen to examine the polarity and proticity of the local environments, the effect of the local environment on intrinsic relaxation, and dipolar relaxation by two symmetries of catalytic iron. The average hyperfine tensor component, Azz, of four π-helix residues decreased by 1.75 G, with an increase in pH from 7 to 9, while it remained unaffected for nearby buried residues. Power saturation data suggested the change in polarity specific to the π-helix altered the intrinsic relaxation rates. Different symmetries of iron contributed to distance-dependent magnetic relaxation. We interpret these data to mean that a π-helix in the second helix of plant lipoxygenases is highly dynamic and is the site where lipid chains penetrate to inner helices that outline the substrate pocket.

ATP allosterically activates the human 5-lipoxygenase molecular mechanism of arachidonic acid and 5(S)-hydroperoxy-6(E),8(Z),11(Z),14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) reacts with arachidonic acid (AA) to first generate 5(S)-hydroperoxy-6(E),8(Z),11(Z),14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid [5(S)-HpETE] and then an epoxide from 5(S)-HpETE to form leukotriene A₄, from a single polyunsaturated fatty acid. This work investigates the kinetic mechanism of these two processes and the role of ATP in their activation. Specifically, it was determined that epoxidation of 5(S)-HpETE (dehydration of the hydroperoxide) has a rate of substrate capture (V_max/K_m) significantly lower than that of AA hydroperoxidation (oxidation of AA to form the hydroperoxide); however, hyperbolic kinetic parameters for ATP activation indicate a similar activation for AA and 5(S)-HpETE. Solvent isotope effect results for both hydroperoxidation and epoxidation indicate that a specific step in its molecular mechanism is changed, possibly because of a lowering of the dependence of the rate-limiting step on hydrogen atom abstraction and an increase in the dependency on hydrogen bond rearrangement. Therefore, changes in ATP concentration in the cell could affect the production of 5-LOX products, such as leukotrienes and lipoxins, and thus have wide implications for the regulation of cellular inflammation.

An experimental cell-based model for studying the cell biology and molecular pharmacology of 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein in leukotriene biosynthesis

BACKGROUND

Subcellular distribution of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) to the perinuclear region and interaction with the 5-LO-activating protein (FLAP) are assumed as key steps in leukotriene biosynthesis and are prone to FLAP antagonists.

METHODS

FLAP and/or 5-LO were stably expressed in HEK293 cells, 5-LO products were analyzed by HPLC, and 5-LO and FLAP subcellular localization was visualized by immunofluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

5-LO and FLAP were stably expressed in HEK293 cells, and upon Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187 stimulation exogenous AA was efficiently transformed into the 5-LO products 5-hydro(pero)xyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-H(p)ETE) and the trans-isomers of LTB4. A23187 stimulation caused 5-LO accumulation at the nuclear membrane only when FLAP was co-expressed. Unexpectedly, A23187 stimulation of HEK cells expressing 5-LO and FLAP without exogenous AA failed in 5-LO product synthesis. HEK cells liberated AA in response to A23187, and transfected HEK cells expressing 12-LO generated 12-HETE after A23187 challenge from endogenous AA. FLAP co-expression increased 5-LO product formation in A23187-stimulated cells at low AA concentrations. Only in cells expressing FLAP and 5-LO, the FLAP antagonist MK886 blocked FLAP-mediated increase in 5-LO product formation, and prevented 5-LO nuclear membrane translocation and co-localization with FLAP.

CONCLUSION

The cellular biosynthesis of 5-LO products from endogenously derived substrate requires not only functional 5-LO/FLAP co-localization but also additional prerequisites which are dispensable when exogenous AA is supplied; identification of these determinants is challenging.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

We present a cell model to study the role of FLAP as 5-LO interacting protein in LT biosynthesis in intact cells and for characterization of putative FLAP antagonists.

5-lipoxygenase-activating protein as a modulator of olanzapine-induced lipid accumulation in adipocyte

Experiments were performed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes differentiated in vitro into adipocytes. Cells were treated with olanzapine and a 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor MK-886. Lipid content was measured using an Oil Red O assay; 5-LOX and FLAP mRNA content was measured using quantitative real-time PCR; the corresponding protein contents were measured using quantitative Western blot assay. Olanzapine did not affect the cell content of 5-LOX mRNA and protein; it decreased FLAP mRNA and protein content at day five but not 24 hours after olanzapine addition. In the absence of MK-886, low concentrations of olanzapine increased lipid content only slightly, whereas a 56% increase was induced by 50 μM olanzapine. A 5-day cotreatment with 10 μM MK-886 potentiated the lipid increasing action of low concentrations of olanzapine. In contrast, in the presence of 50 μM olanzapine nanomolar and low micromolar concentrations of MK-886 reduced lipid content. These data suggest that FLAP system in adipocytes is affected by olanzapine and that it may modify how these cells respond to the second-generation antipsychotic drugs (SGADs). Clinical studies could evaluate whether the FLAP/5-LOX system could play a role in setting a variable individual susceptibility to the metabolic side effects of SGADs.

Structure-based drug design on membrane protein targets: human integral membrane protein 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein

Leukotrienes are biologically active lipid metabolites of arachidonic acid that are involved in inflammation and play a significant role in respiratory and cardiovascular disease. The integral nuclear membrane protein 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) is essential for leukotriene biosynthesis in response to cellular activation. The crystal structures of human FLAP with two inhibitors were recently determined. Inhibitors are bound within the lipid-exposed portion of FLAP, and the unexpected location of the inhibitor-binding site suggests a transport mechanism for arachidonic acid and provides functional insights into leukotriene biosynthesis. This chapter describes how this human integral membrane crystal structure was solved by pushing the limits of low-resolution structure determination and refinement, demonstrating how a low-resolution structure can impact biology and chemistry, and discusses future opportunities for structure-based drug design for this therapeutic target.

Biochemical basis of asthma therapy

Current therapy for asthma is highly effective. β(2)-Adrenergic receptor (β(2)AR) agonists are the most effective bronchodilators and relax airway smooth muscle cells through increased cAMP concentrations and directly opening large conductance Ca(2+) channels. β(2)AR may also activate alternative signaling pathways that may have detrimental effects in asthma. Glucocorticoids are the most effective anti-inflammatory treatments and switch off multiple activated inflammatory genes through recruitment of histone deacetylase-2, activating anti-inflammatory genes, and through increasing mRNA stability of inflammatory genes. There are beneficial molecular interactions between β(2)AR and glucocorticoid-activated pathways. Understanding these signaling pathways may lead to even more effective therapies in the future.

Discovery of potent and selective inhibitors of human platelet-type 12- lipoxygenase

We report the discovery of novel small molecule inhibitors of platelet-type 12-human lipoxygenase, which display nanomolar activity against the purified enzyme, using a quantitative high-throughput screen (qHTS) on a library of 153607 compounds. These compounds also exhibit excellent specificity, >50-fold selectivity vs the paralogues, 5-human lipoxygenase, reticulocyte 15-human lipoxygenase type-1, and epithelial 15-human lipoxygenase type-2, and >100-fold selectivity vs ovine cyclooxygenase-1 and human cyclooxygenase-2. Kinetic experiments indicate this chemotype is a noncompetitive inhibitor that does not reduce the active site iron. Moreover, chiral HPLC separation of two of the racemic lead molecules revealed a strong preference for the (-)-enantiomers (IC(50) of 0.43 ± 0.04 and 0.38 ± 0.05 μM) compared to the (+)-enantiomers (IC(50) of >25 μM for both), indicating a fine degree of selectivity in the active site due to chiral geometry. In addition, these compounds demonstrate efficacy in cellular models, which underscores their relevance to disease modification.

The 5-lipoxygenase/leukotriene pathway in obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Obesity is a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome-related comorbidities such as insulin resistance, type-II diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A wealth of evidence indicates that the associated pathologies of the metabolic syndrome are aggravated by the presence of a chronic state of 'low-grade' inflammation in the adipose tissue. This article discusses recent data implicating lipoxygenases and especially 5-lipoxygenase and its derived products, the leukotrienes, in mounting adipose tissue inflammation and related pathologies in obesity.

RECENT FINDINGS

Overexpression of selected members of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway and increased leukotriene production are common findings in excessive visceral fat depots. In these conditions, 5-lipoxygenase products exert potent proinflammatory actions including induction of nuclear factor-κB and secretion of proinflammatory and insulin resistant adipokines (i.e., monocyte chemotactic protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, macrophage inflammatory protein-1γ, and interleukin-6) by adipose tissue. The 5-lipoxygenase pathway also plays a major role in mounting inflammation in hepatic tissue and has emerged as a pathogenic factor in obesity-induced NAFLD. Similar role in NAFLD has been proposed for the 12/15-lipoxygenase pathway.

SUMMARY

Modulation of lipoxygenases represents a novel target in the prevention of adipose tissue and hepatic dysfunction related to the metabolic syndrome.

The role of multifunctional M1 metallopeptidases in cell cycle progression

BACKGROUND

Metallopeptidases of the M1 family are found in all phyla (except viruses) and are important in the cell cycle and normal growth and development. M1s often have spatiotemporal expression patterns which allow for strict regulation of activity. Mutations in the genes encoding M1s result in disease and are often lethal. This family of zinc metallopeptidases all share the catalytic region containing a signature amino acid exopeptidase (GXMXN) and a zinc binding (HEXXH[18X]E) motif. In addition, M1 aminopeptidases often also contain additional membrane association and/or protein interaction motifs. These protein interaction domains may function independently of M1 enzymatic activity and can contribute to multifunctionality of the proteins.

SCOPE

A brief review of M1 metalloproteases in plants and animals and their roles in the cell cycle is presented. In animals, human puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (PSA) acts during mitosis and perhaps meiosis, while the insect homologue puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (PAM-1) is required for meiotic and mitotic exit; the remaining human M1 family members appear to play a direct or indirect role in mitosis/cell proliferation. In plants, meiotic prophase aminopeptidase 1 (MPA1) is essential for the first steps in meiosis, and aminopeptidase M1 (APM1) appears to be important in mitosis and cell division.

CONCLUSIONS

M1 metalloprotease activity in the cell cycle is conserved across phyla. The activities of the multifunctional M1s, processing small peptides and peptide hormones and contributing to protein trafficking and signal transduction processes, either directly or indirectly impact on the cell cycle. Identification of peptide substrates and interacting protein partners is required to understand M1 function in fertility and normal growth and development in plants.

CD36 protein is involved in store-operated calcium flux, phospholipase A2 activation, and production of prostaglandin E2

The scavenger receptor FAT/CD36 contributes to the inflammation associated with diabetes, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and Alzheimer disease. Underlying mechanisms include CD36 promotion of oxidative stress and its signaling to stress kinases. Here we document an additional mechanism for the role of CD36 in inflammation. CD36 regulates membrane calcium influx in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, release of arachidonic acid (AA) from cellular membranes by cytoplasmic phospholipase A(2)α (cPLA(2)α) and contributes to the generation of proinflammatory eicosanoids. CHO cells stably expressing human CD36 released severalfold more AA and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), a major product of AA metabolism by cyclooxygenases, in response to thapsigargin-induced ER stress as compared with control cells. Calcium influx after ER calcium release resulted in phosphorylation of cPLA(2) and its translocation to membranes in a CD36-dependent manner. Peritoneal macrophages from CD36(-/-) mice exhibited diminished calcium transients and reduced AA release after thapsigargin or UTP treatment with decreased ERK1/2 and cPLA(2) phosphorylation. However, PGE(2) production was unexpectedly enhanced in CD36(-/-) macrophages, which probably resulted from a large induction of cyclooxygenase 2 mRNA and protein. The data demonstrate participation of CD36 in membrane calcium influx in response to ER stress or purinergic receptor stimulation resulting in AA liberation for PGE(2) formation. Collectively, these results identify a mechanism contributing to the pleiotropic proinflammatory effects of CD36 and suggest that its targeted inhibition may reduce the acute inflammatory response.