Abstract
Lipoxygenases are a family of enzymes which dioxygenate unsaturated fatty acids, thus initiating lipoperoxidation of membranes and the synthesis of signaling molecules. Consequently, they induce structural and metabolic changes in the cell in a number of pathophysiological conditions. Recently, a pro-apoptotic effect of lipoxygenase, and of the hydroperoxides produced thereof, has been reported in different cells and tissues, leading to cell death. Anti-apoptotic effects of lipoxygenases have also been reported; however, this has often been based on the use of enzyme inhibitors. Here we review the characteristics of the lipoxygenase family and its involvement in the initiation of oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Finally, we discuss the role of lipoxygenase activation in apoptosis of animal and plant cells, suggesting a common signal transduction pathway in cell death conserved through evolution of both kingdoms. Cell Death and Differentiation (2001) 8, 776–784
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Abbreviations
- CycA:
-
cyclosporin A
- ERK:
-
extracellular regulated kinase
- ETE:
-
eicosatetraenoic (arachidonic) acid
- ETYA:
-
eicosatetraynoic acid
- FLAP:
-
5-lipoxygenase activating protein
- GSH:
-
reduced glutathione
- H(P):
-
hydro(pero)xide
- HR:
-
hypersensitive response
- IL-R:
-
interleukin receptor
- LO(O)H:
-
lipid hydro(pero)xide
- LOX:
-
lipoxygenase
- LRP:
-
lentil root protoplast
- MAPK:
-
mitogen-activated protein kinase
- NAC:
-
N-acetylcysteine
- NDGA:
-
nordihydroguaiaretic acid
- NF-kB:
-
nuclear factor-kB
- NSAID:
-
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
- OD:
-
octadecadienoic (linoleic) acid
- OT:
-
octadecatrienoic (linolenic) acid
- PCD:
-
programmed cell death
- nPG:
-
n-propyl gallate
- ROS:
-
reactive oxygen species
- TGF:
-
transforming growth factor
- TI:
-
toxic intermediates
- TNF:
-
tumor necrosis factor
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Acknowledgements
We thank Dr. Mattia Falconi for the molecular model of LOX-1 and Mr. Graziano Bonelli for the excellent production of the artwork. All colleagues at University of Rome Tor Vergata and at Utrecht University who took part over the years in the study of the role of lipoxygenases in programmed cell death are gratefully acknowledged as well. This work was supported by Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, through a III Aids Project grant (to A Finazzi-Agrò), and by EU grant QL661-1999-00739, Telethon E872, AIRC and MURST-Cofin (to G Melino).
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Maccarrone, M., Melino, G. & Finazzi-Agro, A. Lipoxygenases and their involvement in programmed cell death. Cell Death Differ 8, 776–784 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.cdd.4400908
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.cdd.4400908
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