5-lipoxygenase

5-Lipoxygenase (pronounced: five-lip-oxygen-ase), also known as 5-LOX or 5-LO, is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ALOX5 gene.

Etymology

The term "5-Lipoxygenase" is derived from the Greek words "lipos" meaning fat and "oxygenase" referring to the incorporation of oxygen. The "5" in the name refers to the position of oxygenation in the fatty acid substrate.

Function

5-Lipoxygenase is a member of the lipoxygenase family of enzymes. It transforms essential fatty acids into leukotrienes. Excess levels of the enzyme 5-LOX sets in motion inflammatory responses that have been linked to common degenerative effects in aging individuals.

Related Terms

• Arachidonic Acid: A polyunsaturated fatty acid that is used in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes.
• Leukotrienes: Biologically active compounds that have been implicated in various types of inflammatory responses.
• Lipoxygenase: A family of enzymes that oxidize fatty acids to produce leukotrienes.

See Also

• Enzyme
• Inflammation
• Biosynthesis

References

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