The structure and function of lipoxygenase

Lipoxygenases are non-heme iron enzymes that catalyze the dioxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, yielding hydroperoxides. The first crystal structures have recently been published, revealing an unusual iron site. There have also been substantial developments in the analysis of the kinetics of the reaction, including the observation of uniquely large primary deuterium isotope effects. Exploitation of these results should enable substantial progress in understanding what appears to be a complicated and fascinating chemical mechanism.