Lipoxygenases and their involvement in programmed cell death.
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.
Maccarrone
M
M
Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via di Tor Vergata 135, I-00133 Rome, Italy. Maccarrone@med.uniroma2.it
Melino
G
G
Finazzi-Agrò
A
A
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000502:physiology*; D008084:Lipoxygenase / Q000378:metabolism*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D008084:Lipoxygenase