Mouse Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid 5-Lipoxygenase (ALOX5) Protein

Background

ALOX5 is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes, potent lipid mediators involved in inflammation, immune responses, and allergic reactions. ALOX5 catalyzes the oxidation of arachidonic acid to form 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HPETE), which is subsequently converted into leukotriene A4 (LTA4), the precursor for leukotrienes B4 (LTB4), C4 (LTC4), D4, and E4. These leukotrienes play significant roles in recruiting neutrophils, promoting vascular permeability, and inducing smooth muscle contraction. ALOX5 is highly expressed in immune cells such as neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages, where it mediates inflammatory responses to infection, injury, and allergens. Dysregulation of ALOX5 is associated with asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and cancer, where leukotrienes amplify inflammation and promote tissue damage. In cancer, ALOX5 enhances tumor cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis through lipid signaling. As such, ALOX5 inhibitors, including zileuton, are used therapeutically for asthma and are being explored for anti-cancer treatments targeting lipid metabolism.