The gene ALOX5 (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase) encodes a lipoxygenase th at catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid (AA) and other fatty acids to bioactive compounds such as 5(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and other leukotrienes. These leukotrienes and lipoxins function as mediators of inflammatory response. ALOX5 has been implicated in tumorigenesis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker.
