Molecular cloning, primary structure, and expression of the human platelet/erythroleukemia cell 12-lipoxygenase

Loss of 12-Lipoxygenase Improves the Post-Transfusion Function of Stored Platelets

BACKGROUND

Platelets for transfusion are stored for 5 to 7 days. Previous studies have shown that HETE levels in the storage bag negatively correlate with platelet performance in vivo, suggesting that the dysregulation of bioactive lipid mediators may contribute to the storage lesion. In the current study, we sought to understand how genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of 12-LOX (12-lipoxygenase) affects platelets during storage and after transfusion.

METHODS

Platelets from 12-LOX+/+ (wild-type [WT]) and 12-LOX-/- mice were stored for 24 and 48 hours and profiled using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-multiple reaction monitoring or transfused into thrombocytopenic hIL4R (human interleukin 4 receptor)-transgenic mice. Platelet function was assessed by flow cytometry and in vivo thrombosis and hemostasis models. To test the role of the COX-1 (cyclooxygenase-1) pathway, donor mice were treated with acetylsalicylic acid. Human platelets were treated with the 12-LOX inhibitor, VLX-1005, or vehicle, stored, and transfused to NOD/SCID (nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency) mice.

RESULTS

Polyunsaturated fatty acids increased significantly in stored platelets from 12-LOX-/- mice, whereas oxylipin concentrations were significantly higher in WT platelets. After transfusion to thrombocytopenic mice, we observed significantly more baseline αIIbβ3 integrin activation in 12-LOX-/- platelets than in WT platelets. Stored platelets from 12-LOX-/- mice occluded vessels significantly faster than stored WT platelets. In hemostasis models, significantly more stored 12-LOX-/- than WT platelets accumulated at the site of venous injury leading to reduced blood loss. Inhibition of COX-1 abrogated both increased integrin activation and thromboxane generation in stored 12-LOX-/- platelets, highlighting the critical role of this pathway for improved post-transfusion function. Consistent with our mouse studies, human platelets stored with VLX-1005, showed increased integrin activation compared with vehicle-treated platelets after transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Deleting 12-LOX improves the post-transfusion function of stored murine platelets by increasing thromboxane generation through COX-1-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism. Future studies should determine the feasibility and safety of 12-LOX-inhibited platelets transfused to humans.

Humanization of the Reaction Specificity of Mouse Alox15b Inversely Modified the Susceptibility of Corresponding Knock-In Mice in Two Different Animal Inflammation Models

Mammalian arachidonic acid lipoxygenases (ALOXs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, and its pro- and anti-inflammatory effects have been reported for different ALOX-isoforms. Human ALOX15B oxygenates arachidonic acid to its 15-hydroperoxy derivative, whereas the corresponding 8-hydroperoxide is formed by mouse Alox15b (Alox8). This functional difference impacts the biosynthetic capacity of the two enzymes for creating pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids. To explore the functional consequences of the humanization of the reaction specificity of mouse Alox15b in vivo, we tested Alox15b knock-in mice that express the arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenating Tyr603Asp and His604Val double mutant of Alox15b, instead of the arachidonic acid 8-lipoxygenating wildtype enzyme, in two different animal inflammation models. In the dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model, female Alox15b-KI mice lost significantly more bodyweight during the acute phase of inflammation and recovered less rapidly during the resolution phase. Although we observed significant differences in the colonic levels of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids during the time-course of inflammation, there were no differences between the two genotypes at any time-point of the disease. In Freund's complete adjuvant-induced paw edema model, Alox15b-KI mice were less susceptible than outbred wildtype controls, though we did not observe significant differences in pain perception (Hargreaves-test, von Frey-test) when the two genotypes were compared. our data indicate that humanization of the reaction specificity of mouse Alox15b (Alox8) sensitizes mice for dextran sodium sulfate-induced experimental colitis, but partly protects the animals in the complete Freund's adjuvant-induced paw edema model.

Fatty acids negatively regulate platelet function through formation of noncanonical 15-lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoids

The antiplatelet effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids is primarily attributed to its metabolism to bioactive metabolites by oxygenases, such as lipoxygenases (LOX). Platelets have demonstrated the ability to generate 15-LOX-derived metabolites (15-oxylipins); however, whether 15-LOX is in the platelet or is required for the formation of 15-oxylipins remains unclear. This study seeks to elucidate whether 15-LOX is required for the formation of 15-oxylipins in the platelet and determine their mechanistic effects on platelet reactivity. In this study, 15-HETrE, 15-HETE, and 15-HEPE attenuated collagen-induced platelet aggregation, and 15-HETrE inhibited platelet aggregation induced by different agonists. The observed anti-aggregatory effect was due to the inhibition of intracellular signaling including αIIbβ3 and protein kinase C activities, calcium mobilization, and granule secretion. While 15-HETrE inhibited platelets partially through activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β (PPARβ), 15-HETE also inhibited platelets partially through activation of PPARα. 15-HETrE, 15-HETE, or 15-HEPE inhibited 12-LOX in vitro, with arachidonic acid as the substrate. Additionally, a 15-oxylipin-dependent attenuation of 12-HETE level was observed in platelets following ex vivo treatment with 15-HETrE, 15-HETE, or 15-HEPE. Platelets treated with DGLA formed 15-HETrE and collagen-induced platelet aggregation was attenuated only in the presence of ML355 or aspirin, but not in the presence of 15-LOX-1 or 15-LOX-2 inhibitors. Expression of 15-LOX-1, but not 15-LOX-2, was decreased in leukocyte-depleted platelets compared to non-depleted platelets. Taken together, these findings suggest that 15-oxylipins regulate platelet reactivity; however, platelet expression of 15-LOX-1 is low, suggesting that 15-oxylipins may be formed in the platelet through a 15-LOX-independent pathway.

Biology and pharmacology of platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase in platelets, cancer cells, and their crosstalk

Platelet-type lipoxygenase (pl12-LOX), encoded by ALOX12, catalyzes the production of the lipid mediator 12S-hydroperoxyeicosa-5,8,10,14-tetraenoic acid (12S-HpETE), which is quickly reduced by cellular peroxidases to form 12(S)-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12S-HETE). Platelets express high levels of pl12-LOX and generate considerable amounts of 12S-HETE from arachidonic acid (AA; C20:4, n-6). The development of sensitive chiral liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods has allowed the accurate quantification of 12S-HETE in biological samples. Moreover, advances in the knowledge of the mechanism of action of 12S-HETE have been achieved. The orphan G-protein-coupled receptor 31 (GPR31) has been identified as the high-affinity 12S-HETE receptor. Moreover, upon platelet activation, 12S-HETE is produced, and significant amounts are found esterified to membrane phospholipids (PLs), such as phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC), promoting thrombin generation. Platelets play many roles in cancer metastasis. Among them, the platelets' ability to interact with cancer cells and transfer platelet molecules by the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is noteworthy. Recently, it was found that platelets induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) in cancer cells, a phenomenon known to confer high-grade malignancy, through the transfer of pl12-LOX contained in platelet-derived EVs. These cancer cells now generate 12-HETE, considered a key modulator of cancer metastasis. Interestingly, 12-HETE was mainly found esterified in plasmalogen phospholipids of cancer cells. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the regulation and functions of pl12-LOX in platelets and cancer cells and their crosstalk.Novel approaches to preventing cancer and metastasis by the pharmacological inhibition of pl12-LOX and the internalization of mEVs are discussed.

Extracellular vesicles in β cell biology: Role of lipids in vesicle biogenesis, cargo, and intercellular signaling

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex autoimmune disorder whose pathogenesis involves an intricate interplay between β cells of the pancreatic islet, other islet cells, and cells of the immune system. Direct intercellular communication within the islet occurs via cell surface proteins and indirect intercellular communication has traditionally been seen as occurring via secreted proteins (e.g., endocrine hormones and cytokines). However, recent literature suggests that extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by β cells constitute an additional and biologically important mechanism for transmitting signals to within the islet.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the general mechanisms of EV formation, with a particular focus on how lipids and lipid signaling pathways influence their formation and cargo. We review the implications of EV release from β cells for T1D pathogenesis, how EVs and their cargo might be leveraged as biomarkers of this process, and how EVs might be engineered as a therapeutic candidate to counter T1D outcomes.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Islet β cells have been viewed as initiators and propagators of the cellular circuit giving rise to autoimmunity in T1D. In this context, emerging literature suggests that EVs may represent a conduit for communication that holds more comprehensive messaging about the β cells from which they arise. As the field of EV biology advances, it opens the possibility that intervening with EV formation and cargo loading could be a novel disease-modifying approach in T1D.

Male Knock-in Mice Expressing an Arachidonic Acid Lipoxygenase 15B (Alox15B) with Humanized Reaction Specificity Are Prematurely Growth Arrested When Aging

Mammalian arachidonic acid lipoxygenases (ALOXs) have been implicated in cell differentiation and in the pathogenesis of inflammation. The mouse genome involves seven functional Alox genes and the encoded enzymes share a high degree of amino acid conservation with their human orthologs. There are, however, functional differences between mouse and human ALOX orthologs. Human ALOX15B oxygenates arachidonic acid exclusively to its 15-hydroperoxy derivative (15S-HpETE), whereas 8S-HpETE is dominantly formed by mouse Alox15b. The structural basis for this functional difference has been explored and in vitro mutagenesis humanized the reaction specificity of the mouse enzyme. To explore whether this mutagenesis strategy may also humanize the reaction specificity of mouse Alox15b in vivo, we created Alox15b knock-in mice expressing the arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenating Tyr603Asp+His604Val double mutant instead of the 8-lipoxygenating wildtype enzyme. These mice are fertile, display slightly modified plasma oxylipidomes and develop normally up to an age of 24 weeks. At later developmental stages, male Alox15b-KI mice gain significantly less body weight than outbred wildtype controls, but this effect was not observed for female individuals. To explore the possible reasons for the observed gender-specific growth arrest, we determined the basic hematological parameters and found that aged male Alox15b-KI mice exhibited significantly attenuated red blood cell parameters (erythrocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin). Here again, these differences were not observed in female individuals. These data suggest that humanization of the reaction specificity of mouse Alox15b impairs the functionality of the hematopoietic system in males, which is paralleled by a premature growth arrest.

Platelets induce free and phospholipid-esterified 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid generation in colon cancer cells by delivering 12-lipoxygenase

Platelets promote tumor metastasis by inducing promalignant phenotypes in cancer cells and directly contributing to cancer-related thrombotic complications. Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) can promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells, which confers high-grade malignancy. 12S-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) generated by platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) is considered a key modulator of cancer metastasis through unknown mechanisms. In platelets, 12-HETE can be esterified into plasma membrane phospholipids (PLs), which drive thrombosis. Using cocultures of human platelets and human colon adenocarcinoma cells (line HT29) and LC-MS/MS, we investigated the impact of platelets on cancer cell biosynthesis of 12S-HETE and its esterification into PLs and whether platelet ability to transfer its molecular cargo might play a role. To this aim, we performed coculture experiments with CFSE[5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate, succinimidyl ester]-loaded platelets. HT29 cells did not generate 12S-HETE or express 12-LOX. However, they acquired the capacity to produce 12S-HETE mainly esterified in plasmalogen phospholipid forms following the uptake of platelet-derived medium-sized EVs (mEVs) expressing 12-LOX. 12-LOX was detected in plasma mEV of patients with adenomas/adenocarcinomas, implying their potential to deliver the protein to cancer cells in vivo. In cancer cells exposed to platelets, endogenous but not exogenous 12S-HETE contributed to changes in EMT gene expression, mitigated by three structurally unrelated 12-LOX inhibitors. In conclusion, we showed that platelets induce the generation of primarily esterified 12-HETE in colon cancer cells following mEV-mediated delivery of 12-LOX. The modification of cancer cell phospholipids by 12-HETE may functionally impact cancer cell biology and represent a novel target for anticancer agent development.

Oxygenation of endocannabinoids by mammalian lipoxygenase isoforms

Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide (ANA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2AG), are lipid-signaling molecules that can be oxidized by lipid-peroxidizing enzymes, and this oxidation alters the bioactivity of these lipid mediators. Here, under strictly comparable experimental conditions, we explored whether ANA and 2AG function as substrates for four human (ALOX15, ALOX15B, ALOX12, ALOX5) and three mice Alox isoforms (Alox15, Alox12, Alox5) and compared the rates of product formation with those of arachidonic acid oxygenation. Except for ALOX5, the two endocannabinoids were more efficiently oxygenated than arachidonic acid by human ALOX isoforms. Mice Alox15 oxygenated ANA more efficiently than arachidonic acid, but the other mice Alox isoforms exhibited reduced reaction rates for endocannabinoid conversion. Like its human ortholog, mice Alox5 did not oxygenate ANA, but the formation of 5-HETE-containing 2AG derivatives was observed for this enzyme. 1AG and 2AG were similarly effective substrates for human ALOX isoforms. Molecular docking studies, the pattern of oxygenation products, and site-directed mutagenesis experiments suggested a similar substrate alignment of arachidonic acid and endocannabinoids at the active site of ALOX15 orthologs. The product specificity of arachidonic acid oxygenation was conserved for endocannabinoid metabolization, and the triad concept describing the molecular basis for the reaction specificity of ALOX15 orthologs is applicable for endocannabinoid oxygenation. Taken together, these data indicate that, except for ALOX5 orthologs, endocannabinoids are suitable substrates for most mammalian ALOX isoforms.

ALOX12 mutation in a family with dominantly inherited bleeding diathesis

The arachidonic acid (AA) cascade plays a significant role in platelet aggregation. AA released from membrane phospholipids is metabolized by cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway to thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) or by 12S-lipoxygenase (ALOX12) to 12-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HPETE). In contrast to a well-known role of the COX pathway in platelet aggregation, the role of ALOX12 is not well understood. Platelets of ALOX12-deficient mice exhibit increased sensitivity for ADP-induced aggregation. However, recent evidence strongly suggests a significant role of ALOX12 in platelet aggregation and calcium signaling. 12-HPETE potentiates thrombin- and thromboxane-induced platelet aggregation, and calcium signaling. Inhibition experiments of ALOX12 demonstrated decreased platelet aggregation and calcium signaling in stimulated platelets. We studied a family with a dominantly inherited bleeding diathesis using next-generation sequencing analysis. Platelet aggregation studies revealed that the proband's platelets had defective aggregation responses to ADP, TXA₂ mimetic U46619, collagen, and AA, normal affinity of TXA₂ receptor for U46619, and normal induction of GTPase activity upon stimulation with U46619. However, the production of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP₃) was only increased up to 30% of the control upon U46619 stimulation, suggesting a defect in phospholipase C-β2 (PLCB2) activation downstream from TXA₂ receptors. Affected family members had no mutation of PLCB2, but had a heterozygous c.1946A > G (p.Tyr649Cys) mutation of ALOX12. ALOX12 activity in platelets from the affected members was decreased to 25-35% of the control. Our data strongly suggested that a heterozygous c.1946A > G ALOX12 mutation was a disease-causing mutation; however, further experiments are required to confirm the pathogenesis of ALOX12 mutation in platelet aggregation.

Structural considerations on lipoxygenase function, inhibition and crosstalk with nitric oxide pathways

Lipoxygenases (LOX) are non-heme iron-containing enzymes that catalyze regio- and stereo-selective dioxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Mammalian LOXs participate in the eicosanoid cascade during the inflammatory response, using preferentially arachidonic acid (AA) as substrate, for the synthesis of leukotrienes (LT) and other oxidized-lipid intermediaries. This review focus on lipoxygenases (LOX) structural and kinetic implications on both catalysis selectivity, as well as the basic and clinical implications of inhibition and interactions with nitric oxide (^•NO) and nitroalkenes pathways. During inflammation ^•NO levels are increasingly favoring the formation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS). ^•NO may act itself as an inhibitor of LOX-mediated lipid oxidation by reacting with lipid peroxyl radicals. Besides, ^•NO may act as an O₂ competitor in the LOX active site, thus displaying a protective role on lipid-peroxidation. Moreover, RNS such as nitrogen dioxide (^•NO₂) may react with lipid-derived species formed during LOX reaction, yielding nitroalkenes (NO₂FA). NO₂FA represents electrophilic compounds that could exert anti-inflammatory actions through the interaction with critical LOX nucleophilic amino acids. We will discuss how nitro-oxidative conditions may limit the availability of common LOX substrates, favoring alternative routes of PUFA metabolization to anti-inflammatory or pro-resolutive pathways.

Pharmacological characterization of the biosynthesis of prostanoids and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids in human whole blood and platelets by targeted chiral lipidomics analysis

Platelet 12-lipoxygenase(p-12-LOX) is highly expressed in human platelets, and the development of p-12-LOX inhibitors has the potential to be a novel antithrombotic tool by inhibiting thrombosis without prolonging hemostasis. A chiral liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS) method was used to assess the impact of three commercially available LOX inhibitors[esculetin(6,7-dihydroxycoumarin), ML-355(N-2-benzothiazolyl-4-[[(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methyl]amino]-benzenesulfonamide), CDC(cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-α-cyanocinnamate) and acetylsalicylic acid(ASA; a cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitor) on the generation of prostanoids and HETEs(hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids) in human whole blood allowed to clot for 1 h at 37 °C(serum), platelet-rich plasma(PRP) stimulated with collagen or TRAP-6(a peptide activating thrombin receptor) and washed platelets. In serum, ML-355 did not affect eicosanoid generation, while CDC caused an incomplete reduction of 12S-HETE levels; esculetin inhibited both 12S-HETE and thromboxane(TX)B₂ production; ASA selectively affected TXB₂ production. In washed platelets stimulated with thrombin, esculetin, and CDC inhibited both 12S-HETE and TXB₂ while ML-355 was almost ineffective. In PRP, ML-355, CDC, and esculetin did not affect platelet aggregation associated with incomplete effects on eicosanoid biosynthesis. ASA alone or in combination with ticagrelor(a P2Y₁₂ blocker) affected platelet aggregation associated with profound inhibition of TXB₂ generation. P2Y₁₂ receptor signaling contributed to platelet 12S-HETE biosynthesis in response to primary agonists. In conclusion, ML-355, esculetin, and CDC were not selective inhibitors of p-12-LOX in different cellular systems. They did not affect platelet aggregation induced in PRP by collagen or TRAP-6. The characterization of 12-LOX inhibitors on eicosanoids generated in human whole blood is useful for information on their enzyme selectivity, off-target effects, and the possible influence of plasma components on their pharmacological effects.

The Role of Eicosanoids in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders known. Estimates from the Alzheimer's Association suggest that there are currently 5.8 million Americans living with the disease and that this will rise to 14 million by 2050. Research over the decades has revealed that AD pathology is complex and involves a number of cellular processes. In addition to the well-studied amyloid-β and tau pathology, oxidative damage to lipids and inflammation are also intimately involved. One aspect all these processes share is eicosanoid signaling. Eicosanoids are derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids by enzymatic or non-enzymatic means and serve as short-lived autocrine or paracrine agents. Some of these eicosanoids serve to exacerbate AD pathology while others serve to remediate AD pathology. A thorough understanding of eicosanoid signaling is paramount for understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing potential treatments for AD. In this review, eicosanoid metabolism is examined in terms of in vivo production, sites of production, receptor signaling, non-AD biological functions, and known participation in AD pathology.

Emerging role of 12/15-Lipoxygenase (ALOX15) in human pathologies

12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX) is an enzyme, which oxidizes polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-6 and -3 fatty acids, to generate a number of bioactive lipid metabolites. A large number of studies have revealed the importance of 12/15-LOX role in oxidative and inflammatory responses. The in vitro studies have demonstrated the ability of 12/15-LOX metabolites in the expression of various genes and production of cytokine related to inflammation and resolution of inflammation. The studies with the use of knockout and transgenic animals for 12/15-LOX have further shown its involvement in the pathogenesis of a variety of human diseases, including cardiovascular, renal, neurological and metabolic disorders. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the role of 12/15-LOX in inflammation and various human diseases.

The expansive role of oxylipins on platelet biology

In mammals, three major oxygenases, cyclooxygenases (COXs), lipoxygenases (LOXs), and cytochrome P450 (CYP450), generate an assortment of unique lipid mediators (oxylipins) from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which exhibit pro- or anti-thrombotic activity. Over the years, novel oxylipins generated from the interplay of theoxygenase activity in various cells, such as the specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), have been identified and investigated in inflammatory disease models. Although platelets have been implicated in inflammation, the role and mechanism of these SPMs produced from immune cells on platelet function are still unclear. This review highlights the burgeoning classes of oxylipins that have been found to regulate platelet function; however, their mechanism of action still remains to be elucidated.

Leukotriene signaling in the extinct human subspecies Homo denisovan and Homo neanderthalensis. Structural and functional comparison with Homo sapiens

Mammalian lipoxygenases (LOXs) have been implicated in cell differentiation and in the biosynthesis of pro- and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators. The initial draft sequence of the Homo neanderthalensis genome (coverage of 1.3-fold) suggested defective leukotriene signaling in this archaic human subspecies since expression of essential proteins appeared to be corrupted. Meanwhile high quality genomic sequence data became available for two extinct human subspecies (H. neanderthalensis, Homo denisovan) and completion of the human 1000 genome project provided a comprehensive database characterizing the genetic variability of the human genome. For this study we extracted the nucleotide sequences of selected eicosanoid relevant genes (ALOX5, ALOX15, ALOX12, ALOX15B, ALOX12B, ALOXE3, COX1, COX2, LTA4H, LTC4S, ALOX5AP, CYSLTR1, CYSLTR2, BLTR1, BLTR2) from the corresponding databases. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences in connection with site-directed mutagenesis studies and structural modeling suggested that the major enzymes and receptors of leukotriene signaling as well as the two cyclooxygenase isoforms were fully functional in these two extinct human subspecies.

Mammalian lipoxygenases and their biological relevance

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) form a heterogeneous class of lipid peroxidizing enzymes, which have been implicated not only in cell proliferation and differentiation but also in the pathogenesis of various diseases with major public health relevance. As other fatty acid dioxygenases LOXs oxidize polyunsaturated fatty acids to their corresponding hydroperoxy derivatives, which are further transformed to bioactive lipid mediators (eicosanoids and related substances). On the other hand, lipoxygenases are key players in the regulation of the cellular redox homeostasis, which is an important element in gene expression regulation. Although the first mammalian lipoxygenases were discovered 40 years ago and although the enzymes have been well characterized with respect to their structural and functional properties the biological roles of the different lipoxygenase isoforms are not completely understood. This review is aimed at summarizing the current knowledge on the physiological roles of different mammalian LOX-isoforms and their patho-physiological function in inflammatory, metabolic, hyperproliferative, neurodegenerative and infectious disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Oxygenated metabolism of PUFA: analysis and biological relevance".

12/15-Lipoxygenase deficiency reduces densities of mesenchymal stem cells in the dermis of wounded and unwounded skin

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote skin healing. 12/15-Lipoxgenase (LOX) is crucial in producing specific lipid mediators in wounded skin. The consequences of 12/15-LOX deficiency in MSC densities in skin are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of 12/15-LOX deficiency in MSC densities in wounded and unwounded dermis.

METHODS

Full-thickness skin incisional wounds were made to 12/15-LOX-deficient (12/15-LOX(-/-) ) and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice. Wounded skin was collected at 3, 8, or 14 days postwounding (dpw). MSCs were analysed in skin sections using histology. 12S- or 15S-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) was analysed using a reversed-phase Chiral liquid chromatography-ultraviolet-tandem mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

There were more stem cell antigen (Sca)1(+) CD29(+) MSCs (cells/field) at 3, 8, and 14 dpw, more Sca1(+) CD106(+) MSCs at 3 and 14 dpw in the wounded dermis, more MSCs in unwounded dermis of WT mice compared with 12/15-LOX(-/-) mice, and more MSCs in the wounded dermis than in the unwounded dermis. For 12/15-LOX(-/-) dermis, Sca1(+) CD106(+) MSCs peaked and Sca1(+) CD29(+) MSCs reached a flat level at 8 dpw. However, for the WT dermis, MSCs increased from 8 to 14 dpw. There were more Sca1(+) CD106(+) MSCs than Sca1(+) CD29(+) MSCs in the 12/15-LOX(-/-) wounded dermis at 8 dpw. However, there were more Sca1(+) CD29(+) MSCs in the 12/15-LOX(-/-) than Sca1(+) CD106(+) MSCs in the WT wounded dermis at 3 dpw, and Sca1(+) CD106(+) MSCs and Sca1(+) CD29(+) MSCs were at comparable levels in other conditions. 12/15-LOX deficiency suppressed levels of 12/15-LOX protein and their products, 12S-HETE and 15S-HETE, in wounds.

CONCLUSIONS

12/15-LOX deficiency reduces MSC densities in the dermis, which correlates with the suppressed 12/15-LOX pathways in wounded and unwounded skin.

The role of lipoxygenases in epidermis

Lipoxygenases (LOX) are key enzymes in the biosynthesis of a variety of highly active oxylipins which act as signaling molecules involved in the regulation of many biological processes. LOX are also able to oxidize complex lipids and modify membrane structures leading to structural changes that play a role in the maturation and terminal differentiation of various cell types. The mammalian skin represents a tissue with highly abundant and diverse LOX metabolism. Individual LOX isozymes are thought to play a role in the modulation of epithelial proliferation and/or differentiation as well as in inflammation, wound healing, inflammatory skin diseases and cancer. Emerging evidence indicates a structural function of a particular LOX pathway in the maintenance of skin permeability barrier. Loss-of-function mutations in the LOX genes ALOX12B and ALOXE3 have been found to represent the second most common cause of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis and targeted disruption of the corresponding LOX genes in mice resulted in neonatal death due to a severely impaired permeability barrier function. Recent data indicate that LOX action in barrier function can be traced back to the oxygenation of linoleate-containing ceramides which constitutes an important step in the formation of the corneocyte lipid envelope. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled The Important Role of Lipids in the Epidermis and their Role in the Formation and Maintenance of the Cutaneous Barrier. Guest Editors: Kenneth R. Feingold and Peter Elias.

12-lipoxygenase activity plays an important role in PAR4 and GPVI-mediated platelet reactivity

Following initial platelet activation, arachidonic acid is metabolised by cyclooxygenase-1 and 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX). While the role of 12-LOX in the platelet is not well defined, recent evidence suggests that it may be important for regulation of platelet activity and is agonist-specific in the manner in which it regulates platelet function. Using small molecule inhibitors selective for 12-LOX and 12-LOX-deficient mice, the role of 12-LOX in regulation of human platelet activation and thrombosis was investigated. Pharmacologically inhibiting 12-LOX resulted in attenuation of platelet aggregation, selective inhibition of dense versus alpha granule secretion, and inhibition of platelet adhesion under flow for PAR4 and collagen. Additionally, 12-LOX-deficient mice showed attenuated integrin activity to PAR4-AP and convulxin compared to wild-type mice. Finally, platelet activation by PARs was shown to be differentially dependent on COX-1 and 12-LOX with PAR1 relying on COX-1 oxidation of arachidonic acid while PAR4 being more dependent on 12-LOX for normal platelet function. These studies demonstrate an important role for 12-LOX in regulating platelet activation and thrombosis. Furthermore, the data presented here provide a basis for potentially targeting 12-LOX as a means to attenuate unwanted platelet activation and clot formation.

Radiosensitivity of human prostate cancer cells can be modulated by inhibition of 12-lipoxygenase

Nearly 30% of prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with potentially curative doses relapse at the sites of irradiation. How some tumor cells acquire radioresistance is poorly understood. The platelet-type 12-lipoxygenases (12-LOX)-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism is important in PCa progression. Here we show that 12-LOX confers radioresistance upon PCa cells. Treatment with 12-LOX inhibitors baicalein or BMD122 sensitizes PCa cells to radiation, without radiosensitizing normal cells. 12-LOX inhibitors and radiation, when combined, have super additive or synergistic inhibitory effects on the colony formation of both androgen-dependent LNCaP and androgen-independent PC-3 PCa cells. In vivo, the combination therapy significantly reduced tumor growth.

Biochemical pathogenesis of aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD)

Aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a distinct clinical entity characterized by eosinophilic rhinosinusitis, asthma and often nasal polyposis. Exposure to aspirin or other nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exacerbates bronchospasms with asthma and rhinitis. Disease progression suggests a skewing towards TH2 type cellular response along with moderate to severe eosinophil and mast cell infiltration. Alterations in upper and lower airway cellular milieu with abnormalities in eicosanoid metabolism and altered eicosanoid receptor expression are the key features underlying AERD pathogenesis. Dysregulation of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, notably reduced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis compared to their aspirin tolerant counterpart and relatively increased PGD2 production, a TH2/eosinophil chemoattractant are reported in AERD. Underproduced PGE2 is metabolized by overexpression of 15 prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) to inactive products further reducing PGE2 at real time. This relives the inhibitory effect of PGE2 on 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) resulting in overproduction of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs). Diminished formation of CysLT antagonists called lipoxins (LXs) also augments CysLTs responsiveness. Occasional intake of NSAIDs favors even more 5-LOX product formation, further narrowing the bronchoconstrictive bottle neck, resulting in acute asthmatic exacerbations along with increased mucus production. This review focuses on abnormalities in biochemical and molecular mechanisms in eicosanoid biosynthesis, eicosanoid receptor dysregulation and associated polymorphisms with special reference to arachidonic acid metabolism in AERD.

Role of mitochondria in programmed cell death mediated by arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids

Arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids from cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, and cytochrome P450 are important lipid mediators involved in numerous homeostatic and pathophysiological processes. Most eicosanoids act primarily on their respective cell surface G-protein coupled receptors to elicit downstream signaling in an autocrine and paracrine fashion. Emerging evidence indicates that these hormones are also critical in apoptosis in a cell/tissue specific manner. In this review, we summarize the formation of eicosanoids and their roles as mediators in apoptosis, specifically on the roles of mitochondria in mediating these events and the signaling pathways involved. The biological relevance of eicosanoid-mediated apoptosis is also discussed.

Molecular evolution of enzymes involved in the arachidonic acid cascade

The metabolic pathway called the arachidonic acid cascade produces a wide range of eicosanoids, such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes with potent biological activities. Recombinant DNA techniques have made it possible to determine the nucleotide sequences of cDNAs and/or genomic structures for the enzymes involved in the pathway. Sequence comparison analyses of the accumulated sequence data have brought great insights into the structure, function and molecular evolution of the enzymes. This paper reviews the sequence comparison analyses of the enzymes involved in the arachidonic acid cascade.

Crystal structure of 12-lipoxygenase catalytic-domain-inhibitor complex identifies a substrate-binding channel for catalysis

Lipoxygenases are critical enzymes in the biosynthesis of families of bioactive lipids including compounds with important roles in the initiation and resolution of inflammation and in associated diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Crystals diffracting to high resolution (1.9 Å) were obtained for a complex between the catalytic domain of leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase and the isoform-specific inhibitor, 4-(2-oxapentadeca-4-yne)phenylpropanoic acid (OPP). In the three-dimensional structure of the complex, the inhibitor occupied a new U-shaped channel open at one end to the surface of the protein and extending past the redox-active iron site that is essential for catalysis. In models, the channel accommodated arachidonic acid, defining the binding site for the substrate of the catalyzed reaction. There was a void adjacent to the OPP binding site connecting to the surface of the enzyme and providing a plausible access channel for the other substrate, oxygen.

Thematic Review Series: Proteomics. An integrated omics analysis of eicosanoid biology

Eicosanoids have been implicated in a vast number of devastating inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, atherosclerosis, pain, and cancer. Currently, over a hundred different eicosanoids have been identified, with many having potent bioactive signaling capacity. These lipid metabolites are synthesized de novo by at least 50 unique enzymes, many of which have been cloned and characterized. Due to the extensive characterization of eicosanoid biosynthetic pathways, this field provides a unique framework for integrating genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics toward the investigation of disease pathology. To facilitate a concerted systems biology approach, this review outlines the proteins implicated in eicosanoid biosynthesis and signaling in human, mouse, and rat. Applications of the extensive genomic and lipidomic research to date illustrate the questions in eicosanoid signaling that could be uniquely addressed by a thorough analysis of the entire eicosanoid proteome.

Computational analysis of R and S isoforms of 12-lipoxygenases: homology modeling and docking studies

The present study is aimed at predicting human 12R-LOX structure by constructing a homology model. Based upon Blast results, rabbit reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase 1LOX (protein data bank) was considered as a template for homology modeling. The 3D model was generated with Modeler in InsightII and further refined using AMBER. Further to understand the relationship of protein structure with stereo specificity, a comparative analysis of 12R-LOX model was done with that of 12S-LOX homology model to identify differences in the binding site topology and interacting residues. The large insertion of 31-aa seen in 12R-LOX is located beyond the N-terminal barrel and is accommodated on the outside of the protein without disruption of the overall tertiary structure. The 31-aa region includes SH3 domain binding PXXP motif, seven prolines and five arginines. The docking of the substrate, arachidonic acid was also performed. Our results show that the Gly441 and substrate orientation within the active site play an important role in stereo specificity of 12R-LOX.

Roles of Eicosanoids in Prostate Cancer

Eicosanoids, the metabolites of arachidonic acid, have diverse functions in the regulation of cancer including prostate cancer. This review will provide an overview of the roles of eicosanoids and endocannabinoids and their potential as therapeutic targets for prostate cancer treatment.

Diverse roles of 2-arachidonoylglycerol in invasion of prostate carcinoma cells: Location, hydrolysis and 12-lipoxygenase metabolism

Endogenous 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is antiinvasive in androgen-independent prostate carcinoma (PC-3) cells. Invasion of PC-3 cells is also inhibited by exogenously added noladin ether, a non-hydrolyzable analog of 2-AG. In contrast, exogenous 2-AG has the opposite effect. Cell invasion significantly increased with high concentrations of exogenous 2-AG. In PC-3 cells, arachidonic acid (AA) and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) concentrations increased along with exogenously added 2-AG, and 12-HETE concentrations increased with exogenously added AA. Invasion of PC-3 cells also increased with exogenously added AA and 12(S)-HETE but not 12(R)-HETE. The exogenous 2-AG-induced invasion of PC-3 cells was inhibited by 3-octylthio-1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-one (OTFP, an inhibitor of 2-AG hydrolysis) and baicalein (a 12-LO inhibitor). Western blot and RT-PCR analyses indicated expression of 12-HETE producing lipoxygenases (LOs), platelet-type 12-LO (P-12-LO) and leukocyte-type 12-LO (L-12-LO), in PC-3 cells. These results suggest that exogenous 2-AG induced, rather inhibited, cell invasion because of its rapid hydrolysis to free AA, and further metabolism by 12-LO of AA to 12(S)-HETE, a promoter of PC cell invasion. The results also suggest that PC-3 cells and human prostate stromal (WPMY-1) cells released free AA, 2-AG, and 12-HETE. In the microenvironment of the PC cells, this may contribute to the cell invasion. The 2-AG hydrolysis and concentration of 2-AG in microenvironment are critical for PC cell's fate. Therefore, inhibitors of 2-AG hydrolysis could potentially serve as therapeutic agents for the treatment of prostate cancer. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

12S-lipoxygenase protein associates with α-actin fibers in human umbilical artery vascular smooth muscle cells

The current study sets out to characterize the intracellular localization of the platelet-type 12S-lipoxygenase (12-LO), an enzyme involved in angiotensin-II induced signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Immunohistochemical analysis of VSMC in vitro or human umbilical arteries in vivo showed a clear cytoplasmic localization. On immunogold electron microscopy, 12-LO was found primarily associated with cytoplasmic VSMC muscle fibrils. Upon angiotensin-II treatment of cultured VSMC, immunoprecipitated 12-LO was found bound to alpha-actin, a component of the cytoplasmic myofilaments. 12-LO/alpha-actin binding was blocked by VSMC pretreatment with the 12-LO inhibitors, baicalien or esculetine and the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide. Moreover, the binding of 12-LO to alpha-actin was not associated with 12-LO serine or tyrosine phosphorylation. These observations suggest a previously unrecognized angiotensin-II dependent protein interaction in VSMC through which 12-LO protein may be trafficked, for yet undiscovered purposes towards the much more abundantly expressed cytoskeletal protein alpha-actin.

Transcription factor Sp1 functions as an anchor protein in gene transcription of human 12(S)-lipoxygenase

The signal transduction of human 12(S)-lipoxygenase and the regulation of gene activation, induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF), are discussed in this review article. Treatment of human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells with EGF induces the gene expression of human 12(S)-lipoxygenase, and two Sp1 binding sites residing at -158 to -150 bp and -123 to -114 bp are essential in the mediation of EGF induction of the 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene. EGF induces MAPK activation in cells, followed by the activation of AP1. Thus, the biosynthesis of c-Jun is enhanced, which subsequently interacts with Sp1. c-Jun on Sp1/c-Jun complex is then recruited to gene promoter through the binding of Sp1 to Sp1-binding sites on gene promoter. Subsequent transactivation of the promoter activation of the human 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene is induced. In addition to the functional role of Sp1 in gene regulation of 12(S)-lipoxygenase, recent studies have also demonstrated that Sp1 acting as an anchor protein to recruit transcription factor c-Jun is essential for growth factor and/or phorbol ester-induced expression of several genes.

12-Lipoxygenase metabolism in mouse distal convoluted tubule cells

BACKGROUND

Several lines of evidence point to the 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) family as important mediators in hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases. The kidney has been a main focus for research of the role of this pathway in several disease models. While most of the studies have focused on mesangial or vascular cells, less is known about 12-LOX regulation at the renal tubular level. The aim of the study was to characterize the expression and regulation by hormones of the family of 12-LOX in mouse distal convoluted tubule at the molecular level.

METHODS

An immortalized mouse distal convoluted tubule (mDCT) cell line was used. mRNA and protein levels were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively, while 12(S)-HETE production was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cells were challenged with aldosterone, angiotensin II, 8Br-cAMP, and vasopressin.

RESULTS

We showed that both platelet (P) and leukocyte (L)-type 12-LOX are expressed in the mDCT cell line, as well as in distal tubules of human kidneys. The production of 12(S)-HETE by mDCT cells was increased in response to cAMP (by two-fold) and by vasopressin (by 1.5-fold). In contrast, neither aldosterone nor angiotensin II exerted appreciable effects on 12(S)-HETE production. The mRNA and protein levels of P-12LOX and L-12LOX were not changed by the different hormones, suggesting that they may act by modulating enzyme activity. We further have demonstrated that this mDCT cell line also expressed the recently cloned 12(R)-LOX.

CONCLUSION

mDCT cells show an active 12-LOX metabolism that appears to be modulated by cAMP and vasopressin.

Lipid inflammatory mediators in diabetic vascular disease

Type 2 diabetes is associated with significantly accelerated rates of macrovascular complications such as atherosclerosis. Emerging evidence now indicates that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease and that certain inflammatory markers may be key predictors of diabetic atherosclerosis. Proinflammatory cytokines and cellular adhesion molecules expressed by vascular and blood cells during stimulation by growth factors and cytokines seem to play major roles in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and diabetic vascular complications. However, more recently, data suggest that inflammatory responses can also be elicited by smaller oxidized lipids that are components of atherogenic oxidized low-density lipoprotein or products of phospholipase activation and arachidonic acid metabolism. These include oxidized lipids of the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid metabolism. These lipids have potent growth, vasoactive, chemotactic, oxidative, and proinflammatory properties in vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and monocytes. Cellular and animal models indicate that these enzymes are induced under diabetic conditions, have proatherogenic effects, and also mediate the actions of growth factors and cytokines. This review highlights the roles of the inflammatory cyclooxygenase and 12/15-lipoxygenase pathways in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular disease. Evidence suggests that inflammatory responses in the vasculature can be elicited by small oxidized lipids that are components of oxidized low-density lipoprotein or products of the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways of arachidonic and linoleic acid metabolism. This review evaluates these inflammatory and proatherogenic pathways in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular disease.

Overexpression of leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase promotes W256 tumor cell survival by enhancing alphavbeta5 expression

The metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) leads to the generation of biologically active metabolites that have been implicated in cell growth and proliferation, as well as survival and apoptosis. We have previously demonstrated that rat Walker 256 (W256) carcinosarcoma cells express the platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) and synthesize 12(S)- and 15(S)-HETE as their major LOX metabolites. Here we show that Walker 256 cells also express leukocyte-type 12-LOX and that its overexpression in these cells significantly extends their survival and delays apoptosis when cells are cultured under serum-free conditions. Under serum-free conditions, the expression of leukocyte-type 12-LOX is upregulated. 12-LOX-transfected W256 cells had a more spread morphology in culture compared with wild-type or mock-transfected cells. Examination of W256 cells showed that the cells expressed a number of integrins on their surface. Overexpression of 12-LOX enhanced the surface expression and focal adhesion localization of integrin alphavbeta5, while not affecting other integrins. Also, the 12-LOX-transfected W256 cells exhibited higher levels of microfilament content. Treatment of cells with monoclonal antibody to alphavbeta5 or cytochalasin B (a microfilament-disrupting agent), but not antibodies to other integrin receptors, resulted in significant apoptosis, characterized by rapid rounding up and detachment from the substratum. These results show that the 12-LOX pathway is a regulator of cell survival and apoptosis, by affecting the expression and localization of the alphavbeta5 integrin and actin microfilaments in Walker 256 cells.

Cell signaling and gene regulation of human 12(S)-lipoxygenase expression

Human 12(S)-lipoxygenase is a platelet-type 12(S)-lipoxyenase. Its expression is detected in human erythroleukemia cells, human skin epidermal cells and human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. Treatment of A431 cells with EGF or PMA induces the gene expression of human 12(S)-lipoxygenase. The induction of gene expression is mediated through the cell signaling of MAPK activation, followed by the induction of c-Jun expression. The transcription factor Sp1 binding to the two Sp1 recognition motifs residing at -158 to 150 bp and -123 to 114 bp in the gene promoter is found to be essential for both EGF- and PMA-induced gene expression of human 12(S)-lipoxygenase. However, no change of Sp1 binding to GC-rich sequence was observed while no AP-1-binding site can be found in the responsive region of the promoter in EGF- and PMA-induced promoter activation of the human 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene. Since both of the transcription factors c-Jun and Sp1 are prerequisite for EGF and PMA response, interaction between c-Jun and Sp1 may account for the functional regulation of human 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene regulation. The direct and cooperative interaction between c-Jun and Sp1 induced by EGF or PMA activates the expression of the human 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene. Therefore, Sp1 may serve at least in part as a carrier to bring c-Jun to the promoter, thu's transactivating the transcriptional activity of the human 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene.

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenases

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase introduces a molecular oxygen at carbon 12 of arachidonic acid to generate a 12-hydroperoxy derivative. The enzymes generate 12-hydroperoxy derivatives with either S- or R-configurations. There are three isoforms of 12S-lipoxygenases named after the cells where they were first identified; platelet, leukocyte and epidermis. The leukocyte-type enzyme is widely distributed among cells, but the tissue distribution varies substantially from species to species. The platelet and epidermal enzymes are present in only a relatively limited number of cell types. Although the structures and enzymatic properties of the three isoforms of 12S-lipoxygenases have been elucidated, the physiological roles of the 12S-lipoxygenases are not yet fully understood. There are important roles for the enzymes and their products in several biological systems including those involved in atherosclerosis and neurotransmission.

Eicosanoids and the regulation of cardiac glucose transport

Intact actin microfilaments are necessary for insulin-regulated GLUT4 translocation from intracellular pools to the plasma membrane. Products of the lipoxygenase (LO) pathway were shown to be implicated in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. The aim of this study was to examine the role of these LO products for cardiac insulin signaling and glucose uptake, GLUT4 translocation, and actin-based cytoskeleton structure. Exposure of cardiomyocytes to esculetin or NDGA, two structurally different LO inhibitors, induced a complete inhibition of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, whereas control cells showed a threefold stimulation by insulin. Addition of 12(S)-HETE rendered the NDGA-treated cells insulin-sensitive. Early insulin signaling was not changed in cells exposed to LO inhibitors. Cell surface biotinylation of control cells showed a twofold increase of GLUT4 at the cell surface after insulin stimulation. In contrast, the LO inhibitors induced a complete inhibition of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation. Labeling of the F-actin cytoskeleton revealed a prominent disassembly of actin fibers in cells exposed to the LO inhibitors. In conclusion, we show here that products of the LO reaction participate in the organization of the actin network in ventricular cardiomyocytes. Inhibition of LO blocks GLUT4 translocation without affecting insulin signaling events. These data suggest that products of the LO reaction participate in the regulation of glucose transport by contribution to a rearrangement of actin cytoskeletal elements.

Potential involvement of the AML1-MTG8 fusion protein in the granulocytic maturation characteristic of the t(8;21) acute myelogenous leukemia revealed by microarray analysis

The AML1 (RUNX1)-MTG8 (ETO) fusion transcription factor generated by the t(8;21) translocation is believed to deregulate the expression of genes that are crucial for normal differentiation and proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors, resulting in acute myelogenous leukemia. To elucidate the role of AML1-MTG8 in leukemogenesis, we used oligonucleotide microarrays to detect alterations in gene expression caused by ectopic expression of AML1-MTG8 in a murine myeloid progenitor cell line, L-G. Microarray analysis of approximately 6500 genes identified 32 candidate genes under the downstream control of AML1-MTG8. Among the 32 genes, 23 were not known to be regulated by AML1-MTG8. These included many granule protein genes and several cell surface antigen genes. Interestingly, AML1-MTG8 enhanced the expression of several genes that are usually induced during granulocytic differentiation, particularly those encoding azurophil granule proteins, including cathepsin G, myeloperoxidase and lysozyme. This indicates that AML1-MTG8 induces partial differentiation of myeloid progenitor cells into promyelocytes in the absence of the usual differentiation signals, while it inhibits terminal differentiation into mature granulocytes. Thus, AML1-MTG8 itself may play a crucial role in defining a unique cytologic type with abnormal maturation, characteristic of t(8;21) acute myelogenous leukemia.

Functional role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and c-Jun induction in phorbol ester-induced promoter activation of human 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene

The functional role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and c-Jun induction in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced human 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene expression was studied in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. Among the family of MAPK, PMA only increased the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Treatment of cells with PD98059, which is an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), decreased the PMA-induced expression of 12(S)-lipoxygenase. Transfection of cells with Ras, Raf and ERK2 dominant negative mutants inhibited the PMA-induced promoter activation of the 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene in all cases. PMA-induced expression of c-Jun was inhibited by pretreatment with PD98059. Following treatment with PMA, the interaction between c-Jun and simian virus 40 promoter factor 1 (Sp1) in cells increased with time. Enhancement of binding between the c-Jun-Sp1 complex and the Sp1 oligonucleotide was observed in cells treated with PMA, suggesting the possible interaction of c-Jun-Sp1 with GC-rich binding sites in the gene promoter. These results indicate that PMA treatment induced ERK activation mainly through the Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway following induction of c-Jun expression, and the formation of the c-Jun-Sp1 complex. Finally, PMA activated the promoter activity of the 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene in cells overexpressing protein kinase C (PKC)delta but not PKCalpha, indicating that PKCdelta played the functional role in mediating the gene activation of 12(S)-lipoxygenase induced by PMA.

A novel form of platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase mRNA in human vascular smooth muscle cells

The lipoxygenase pathway has been implicated in the growth, migration, and contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, the precise type of lipoxygenase present in the vascular wall has not been characterized. In this study, we used a specific reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method with 2 sets of specific primers on total RNA and polyA (+)RNA of normal human VSMCs prepared from umbilical artery. Two forms of platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase mRNA were present in human VSMCs: the already published form cloned from human erythroleukemia cells and a variant form of platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase, which includes 2 additional sequences consistent with the 2 introns (D and E). This novel form of 12-lipoxygenase poly A (+)RNA was downregulated by lipopolysaccharide (10 ug/ml) and upregulated by epidermal growth factor (100 ng/ml) but was not affected by angiotensin II (10(-7) mol/l). We developed a rabbit anti-human platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase polyclonal antibody directed against a 24-amino acid peptide encoded within exon 4. Western immunoblotting of protein extracted from VSMCs and umbilical artery and platelet extract with this antibody showed a coordinate 110-kDa protein and the already-described 70-kDa band detected in platelets and cord homogenate. Another 120-kDa protein was consistently detected in cord extracts but not in platelet or VSMC homogenates. The immunohistochemistry study performed with the same antibody showed extensive cytoplasmic staining of VSMCs. The specific role of these different forms of platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase is subject to further investigation.

Lipoxygenase in Human Tumor Cells

Tumor cell proliferation and metastasis proceed via a network of interdependent molecular events with a vast array of molecular players and signal transduction mechanisms differing in various types of human tumors. In the sequence of events necessary for carcinogenesis, arachidonate metabolites have been documented to play a significant role at several steps. Arachidonate metabolism in human cells occurs via several enzymatic pathways, including enzymes such as cyclo-oxygenases and lipoxygenases. This review pays particular attention to one member of the lipoxygenase family of enzymes, namely 12-lipoxygenase, since an arachidonate metabolite generated via 12-lipoxygenase action, 12(S)-HETE, has been shown to elicit various prometastatic effects of tumor cells in vivo and in vitro. We focus especially on mechanisms of activation and modulation of 12-lipoxygenase expression in human tumor cells, since various tumor cells express 12-lipoxygenase or are responsive to metabolites derived from 12-lipoxygenase action, thus offering a potential for successful therapeutic intervention against such tumors.

Characterization of the murine epidermal 12/15-lipoxygenase

The murine lipoxygenase (LO) family consists of at least seven members classified according to the HETE (hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid) metabolite generated during arachidonic acid metabolism and the site of tissue expression. At present there are four 12-lipoxygenases that are functionally distinct, vary in cell and tissue distribution, catalytic activity and each are products of separate, linked genes. They are "platelet-type" 12-LO (P-12LO), "leukocyte-type" 12-LO (L-12LO), "epidermal-type" 12-LO (e-12LO) and the most recently discovered 12(R)-LO. In this report we characterize e-12LO, which was overexpressed in the baculovirus/insect cell expression system. The enzyme functions as a dual specificity 12/15-lipoxygenase with a 12-HETE/15-HETE product ratio of approximately 6:1 with arachidonic acid as substrate. Several other polyunsaturated fatty acids served as substrates for e-12LO such as gamma-linolenic, dihomo-gamma-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids. A green fluorescent protein/e-12LO fusion protein was localized to the cytosol of transfected HEK 293 cells. The e-12LO gene was expressed in mouse oocytes and early embryos. Western blot analysis revealed high level expression in postnatal day 3 mouse epidermal lysates. Together these data suggest that e-12LO plays a role in normal epidermal function and as yet an undiscovered role in early development.

Functional interaction between c-Jun and promoter factor Sp1 in epidermal growth factor-induced gene expression of human 12(S)-lipoxygenase

The functional role of the interaction between c-Jun and simian virus 40 promoter factor 1 (Sp1) in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced expression of 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells was studied. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicated that EGF stimulated interaction between c-Jun and Sp1 in a time-dependent manner. Overexpression of Ha-ras and c-Jun also enhanced the amount of c-Jun binding to Sp1. In addition, the c-Jun dominant negative mutant TAM-67 not only inhibited the coimmunoprecipitated c-Jun binding to Sp1 in a dose-dependent manner in cells overexpressing c-Jun but also reduced promoter activity of the 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene induced by c-Jun overexpression. Treatment of cells with EGF increased the interaction between the Sp1 oligonucleotide and nuclear c-Jun/Sp1 in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, EGF activated the chimeric promoter consisting of 10 tandem GAL4-binding sites, which replaced the three Sp1-binding sites in the 12(S)lipoxygenase promoter only when coexpressed with GAL4-c-Jun () fusion proteins. These results indicate that the direct interaction between c-Jun and Sp1 induced by EGF cooperatively activated expression of the 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene, and that Sp1 may serve at least in part as a carrier bringing c-Jun to the promoter, thus transactivating the transcriptional activity of 12(S)-lipoxygenase gene.

Potential use of lipoxygenase inhibitors for cancer chemoprevention

Increasing evidence suggests that lipoxygenase (LO)-catalysed metabolites have a profound influence on the development and progression of human cancers. Compared with normal tissues, significantly elevated levels of LO products have been found in breast tumours, colon cancers, lung, skin and prostate cancers, as well as in cells from patients with both acute and chronic leukaemias. LO-mediated products elicit diverse biological activities needed for neoplastic cell growth, influencing growth factor and transcription factor activation, oncogene induction, stimulation of tumour cell adhesion and regulation of apoptotic cell death. Agents that block LO catalytic activity may be effective in preventing cancer by interfering with signalling events needed for tumour growth. In the past ten years, pharmaceuticals agents that specifically inhibit the 5-LO metabolic pathway have been developed to treat inflammatory diseases such as asthma, arthritis and psoriasis. Some of these compounds possess anti-oxidant properties and may be effective in preventing cancer by blocking free radical-induced genetic damage or by preventing the metabolic activation of carcinogens. Other compounds may work by negatively modulating DNA synthesis. Pharmacological profiles of potential chemopreventive agents are compiled from enzyme assays, in vitro testing (e.g., cell proliferation inhibition in human cancer cells) and in vivo animal carcinogenesis models (e.g., N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced rat mammary cancer, benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung tumours in strain A/J mice and hormone-induced prostate tumours in rats). In this way, compounds are identified for chemoprevention trials in human subjects. Based on currently available data, it is expected that the prevention of lung and prostate cancer will be initially studied in human trials of LO inhibitors.

A short catalytic enantioselective synthesis of the proinflammatory eicosanoid 12(R)-hydroxy- 5(Z),8(Z),10(E),14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid (12(R)-HETE)

A new and effective pathway is described for the synthesis of 12(R)-HETE and the 12(S)-enantiomer from the common intermediates 4 and 8.

Diversity of mouse lipoxygenases: identification of a subfamily of epidermal isozymes exhibiting a differentiation-dependent mRNA expression pattern

By using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technology (RT-PCR) and Northern blot analysis, the tissue-specific mRNA expression patterns of seven mouse lipoxygenases (LOX)--including 5S-, 8S-, three isoforms of 12S-, 12R-LOX, and a LOX of an as-of-yet unknown specificity, epidermis-type LOX-3 (e-LOX-3)--were investigated in NMRI mice. Among the various tissues tested epidermis and forestomach were found to express the broadest spectrum of LOX. With the exception of 5S- and platelet-type 12S-LOX (p12S-LOX) the remaining LOX showed a preference to exclusive expression in stratifying epithelia of the mouse, in particular the integumental epidermis. The expression of the individual LOX in mouse epidermis was found to depend on the state of terminal differentiation of the keratinocytes. mRNA of epidermis-type 12S-LOX (e12S-LOX) was detected in all layers of neonatal and adult NMRI mouse skin, whereas expression of p12S-LOX, 12R-LOX, and e-LOX-3 was restricted to suprabasal epidermal layers of neonatal and adult mice. 8S-LOX mRNA showed a body-site-dependent expression in that it was detected in stratifying epithelia of footsole and forestomach but not in back skin epidermis. In the latter, 8S-LOX mRNA was strongly induced upon treatment with phorbol esters. With the exception of e12S-LOX and p12S-LOX, the isozymes that are preferentially expressed in stratifying epithelia are structurally related and may be grouped together into a distinct subgroup of epidermis-type LOX.

Regulation of human 12/15-lipoxygenase by Stat6-dependent transcription

Human 12/15-lipoxygenase is a lipid-peroxidating enzyme implicated in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and airway inflammation. Interleukin (IL)-4 specifically induces 12/15-lipoxygenase messenger RNA, protein, and enzymatic activity in primary cultures of human monocytes and airway epithelial cells. The induction of the human 12/15-lipoxygenase by IL-4 suggests that the signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)-6 protein is critical for its expression. Several putative Stat6 response elements are located in the proximal 1.8 kb of 12/15-lipoxygenase 5'-flanking region. In this study we use BEAS-2B human airway epithelial cells as a model to demonstrate the dependence of 12/15-lipoxygenase expression on the IL-4/Stat6 signal transduction pathway. Transient transfections of human 12/15-lipoxygenase promoter/luciferase reporter genes indicate that this induction occurs through direct transcriptional mechanisms mediated by a specific Stat6 response element located 952 base pairs upstream of the translational start codon. Using this Stat6 response element as a probe, electrophoretic mobility shift assays show an IL-4-dependent binding activity in nuclear extracts. Supershift assays confirm that Stat6 participates in this binding complex. These data indicate that the human 12/15-lipoxygenase gene is induced in airway epithelial cells through Stat6-dependent transcriptional mechanisms mediated by a specific Stat6 response element in the 5'-flanking region.

Differential characteristics of human 15-lipoxygenase isozymes and a novel splice variant of 15S-lipoxygenase

The lipoxygenases (LOs) are a family of nonheme iron dioxygenases that catalyse the insertion of molecular oxygen into polyunsaturated fatty acids. Five members of this gene family have been described in man, 5-LO, 12S-LO, 12R-LO, 15-LO and 15S-LO. Using partially purified recombinant 15S-LO enzyme and cells constitutively expressing this protein, we have compared the activity, substrate specificity, kinetic characteristics and regulation of this enzyme to that previously reported for 15-LO. 15S-LO has a threefold higher Km, similar Vmax and increased specificity of oxygenation for arachidonic acid, and a similar Km but decreased Vmax for linoleic acid in comparison to 15-LO. Unlike 15-LO, 15S-LO is not suicide inactivated by the products of fatty acid oxygenation. However, in common with other LOs, 15S-LO activity is regulated through calcium-dependent association of the enzyme with the membrane fraction of cells. In addition, whilst independently cloning the recently described 15S-LO, we identified a splice variant containing an in-frame 87-bp deletion corresponding to amino acids 401-429 inclusive. Modelling of the 15S-LO and subsequent studies with partially purified recombinant protein suggest that the deleted region comprises a complete alpha-helix flanking the active site of the enzyme resulting in decreased specificity of oxygenation and affinity for fatty acid substrates. Alternative splicing of 15S-LO would therefore provide a further level of regulation of fatty acid metabolism. These results demonstrate that there are substantial differences in the enzyme characteristics and regulation of the 15-LO isozymes which may reflect differing roles for the proteins in vivo.