This gene encodes a member of the lipoxygenase family of proteins. The encoded enzyme acts on various polyunsaturated fatty acid substrates to generate various bioactive lipid mediators such as eicosanoids, hepoxilins, lipoxins, and other molecules. The encoded enzyme and its reaction products have been shown to regulate inflammation and immunity. Multiple pseudogenes of this gene have been identified in the human genome. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2017]
Forensic Context
A study in rats demonstrated that skeletal muscle contusion induces iron overload and ferroptosis, characterized by increased Fe2+ and MDA alongside decreased GSH and GPX4, which was reversed by ferroptosis inhibitors [Yang et al. DOI:10.3390/ijms252011317].