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Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenases.
Tanihiro Yoshimoto1, Yoshitaka Takahashi
1Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan. yoshimot@med.kanazawa-u.ac.jp
Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators
|November 16, 2002
Summary
Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenases are enzymes that oxygenate arachidonic acid. Their specific physiological roles, particularly in atherosclerosis and neurotransmission, require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase catalyzes the oxygenation of arachidonic acid at carbon 12.
- This process yields 12-hydroperoxy derivatives with either S- or R-configurations.
- Three isoforms of 12S-lipoxygenases are identified: platelet, leukocyte, and epidermal types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the physiological roles of 12S-lipoxygenases.
- To understand the involvement of these enzymes and their products in biological systems.
- To investigate their potential roles in conditions like atherosclerosis and neurotransmission.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme characterization of arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase isoforms.
- Analysis of tissue distribution of leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase.
- Investigation of enzymatic properties and structures of 12S-lipoxygenases.
Main Results:
- The leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase exhibits wide cell distribution, though tissue distribution varies by species.
- Platelet and epidermal 12S-lipoxygenase isoforms have limited cell type presence.
- Structures and enzymatic properties of the three 12S-lipoxygenase isoforms are understood.
Conclusions:
- The precise physiological functions of 12S-lipoxygenases remain incompletely defined.
- These enzymes and their hydroperoxy derivatives play significant roles in biological systems.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand their involvement in atherosclerosis and neurotransmission.