Lipoxygenase (Fungal) (LOX)

Lipoxygenase enzymes in fungi (often called fungal LOX) catalyze the oxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, resulting in the formation of fatty acid hydroperoxides. 5-lipoxygenase, primarily studied in mammals, converts arachidonic acid to leukotrienes, which are bioactive lipid mediators involved in inflammation and immunity. In fungi, lipoxygenase activity has been suggested to play roles in stress response, injury-repair, and possibly virulence and interaction with host immunity. However, the term "Fungal 5-lipoxygenase" is not standardized; specific fungal orthologs or functional equivalents are actively researched but not definitively described. Therefore, the current best practice is to refer to them as "fungal lipoxygenase" and specify species or isoforms (e.g., Lox1). Targeting fungal lipoxygenase is considered a possible antifungal strategy but is not yet clinically established.

Other names

fungal lipoxygenaseLOX (in fungi)Lox1 (sometimes used for a specific fungal LOX)

Inhibition of lipoxygenase activity reduces production of lipid mediators (e.g., leukotrienes in mammals), modulating inflammatory and immune responses. In fungi, inhibition might reduce oxidative stress tolerance or disrupt lipid signaling, affecting growth or pathogenicity.