Combined Machine Learning and GRID-Independent Molecular Descriptor (GRIND) Models to Probe the Activity Profiles of 5-Lipoxygenase Activating Protein Inhibitors

Structures of Leukotriene Biosynthetic Enzymes and Development of New Therapeutics

Leukotrienes are potent immune-regulating lipid mediators with patho-genic roles in inflammatory and allergic diseases, particularly asthma. These autacoids also contribute to low-grade inflammation, a hallmark of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, and tumor diseases. Biosynthesis of leukotrienes involves release and oxidative metabolism of arachidonic acid and proceeds via a set of cytosolic and integral membrane enzymes that are typically expressed by cells of the innate immune system. In activated cells, these enzymes traffic and assemble at the endoplasmic and perinuclear membrane, together comprising a biosynthetic complex. Here we describe recent advances in our molecular understanding of the protein components of the leukotriene-synthesizing enzyme machinery and also briefly touch upon the leukotriene receptors. Moreover, we discuss emerging opportunities for pharmacological intervention and development of new therapeutics.

Molecular Pharmacology of Inflammation Resolution in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is one of the most important problems of modern medicine as it is the leading cause of hospitalizations, disability, and mortality. The key role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis is the imbalance between the activation of inflammation in the vascular wall and the mechanisms of its control. The resolution of inflammation is the most important physiological mechanism that is impaired in atherosclerosis. The resolution of inflammation has complex, not fully known mechanisms, in which lipid mediators derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play an important role. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) represent a group of substances that carry out inflammation resolution and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. SPMs include lipoxins, resolvins, maresins, and protectins, which are formed from PUFAs and regulate many processes related to the active resolution of inflammation. Given the physiological importance of these substances, studies examining the possibility of pharmacological effects on inflammation resolution are of interest.