The gene ALOX5 (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase), also referred to as 5-LOX (5-lipoxygenase), encodes a protein belonging to the lipoxygenase family. The gene is mapped to human chromosome 10q11.21. The protein contains a distinct ‘C2-like′ domain at the amino terminal that is involved in Ca2+-dependent membrane binding and a large catalytic domain containing the non-heme catalytic iron. It is highly unstable with short-lived activity.
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.
