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Eicosanoid transcellular biosynthesis: from cell-cell interactions to in vivo tissue responses
Giancarlo Folco1, Robert C Murphy
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Mail Stop 8303, 12801 E. 17th Avenue, P.O. Box 6511, Aurora, CO 80045-0511, USA.
Pharmacological Reviews
|September 14, 2006
Summary
Transcellular biosynthesis allows cells to create lipid mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes through cell-cell interactions. This process involves transferring unstable intermediates between cells for complete synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Arachidonic acid metabolites, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes, are crucial lipid mediators.
- Their biosynthesis involves enzymes like cyclooxygenase-1/2 and 5-lipoxygenase, acting on unstable intermediates (PGH2, LTA4).
- While some cells possess complete enzyme cascades, many biosynthetic pathways rely on intercellular communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for transcellular biosynthesis of eicosanoids (prostaglandins, leukotrienes, lipoxins).
- To highlight the role of cell-cell interactions in producing these bioactive lipid mediators.
- To discuss the significance of arachidonic acid as a transcellular intermediate and in vivo complexities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on transcellular biosynthesis of eicosanoids.
- Analysis of experimental evidence for cell-cell interactions in lipid mediator production.
- Examination of in vivo studies revealing tissue-level eicosanoid complexity.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports transcellular biosynthesis for prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and lipoxins during cell-cell interactions.
- Arachidonic acid functions as a key transcellular biosynthetic intermediate.
- In vivo experiments demonstrate the intricate nature of eicosanoid synthesis within tissues.
Conclusions:
- Transcellular biosynthesis is a vital mechanism for producing bioactive eicosanoids, requiring coordinated cell-cell interactions.
- The transfer of reactive intermediates between cells is essential for complete lipid mediator synthesis.
- Understanding transcellular pathways is crucial for comprehending complex biological processes in vivo.
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