Identification and isolation of a membrane protein necessary for leukotriene production

Article Abstract:

Leukotrienes are compounds produced by leukocytic white blood cells, such as neutrophils, mast cells and macrophages, which cause allergic and inflammatory responses. Several inflammatory diseases such as asthma, arthritis and the chronic skin condition psoriasis are associated with the production of leukotrienes. It is known that oxidation of arachidonic acid, a fatty acid, is necessary for the production of leukotrienes by the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). When cells are treated with calcium or another recently identified inhibitor known as MK-886, leukotrienes are not produced. The MK-886 inhibitor does not affect 5-LO activity, indicating that components other than the molecules involved in 5-LO oxidation are required for leukotriene synthesis. Using the MK-886 inhibitor, a new membrane protein, known as FLAP, five-lipoxygenase-activating protein, was identified and isolated. FLAP binds to MK-886 and is necessary for the synthesis of leukotrienes. The understanding of the role of FLAP in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes can lead to therapeutic targets for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Arachidonic acid, Inflammation, Inflammation mediators, Leukotrienes

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Characterization of the human cysteinyl leukotriene CysLT1 receptor

Article Abstract:

It has been possible to characterize the human orphan G-protein-coupled receptor HG55 as the CysLT1 receptor. Two different Xenopus laevis functional systems were used to characterize GH55 (CysLT1)-receptor activation. It was found that all three marketed cysteinyl leukotriene antagonists, zafirlukast (Accolate), montelukast (Singulair) and pranlukast (Onon) are potent competitors for the binding of radiolabelled leukotriene D4 to the CysLT1 receptor.

Analysis, Protein research, Drug receptors

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Identification of receptors for neuromedin U and its role in feeding

Article Abstract:

Research is presented concerning the involvement of the neuropeptide neuromedin U in the control center for feeding in the brain. The role of administered neuromedin U in suppressing food intake in rats is discussed.

Brain, Ingestion, Letter to the Editor, Localization (Brain function), Neuropeptides

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