BACKGROUND

Recent studies highlight the regulatory role of arachidonate lipoxygenase5 (Alox5) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) in cancer tumorigenesis and progression. In this study, we analyzed the expression, biological function and the downstream signaling of Alox5 in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Alox5 protein levels were measured using IHC and ELISA. Growth, migration and survival assays were performed. Phosphorylation of molecules involved in growth and survival signaling were analyzed by WB. Analysis of variance and t-test were used for statistic analysis.

RESULTS

Alox5 and 5-HETE levels were upregulated in gastric cancer patients. ALOX5 overexpression or 5-HETE addition activates gastric cancer cells and reduces chemotherapy's efficacy. In contrast, ALOX5 inhibition via genetic and pharmacological approaches suppresses gastric cancer cells and enhances chemotherapy's efficacy. In addition, Alox5 inhibition led to suppression of ERK-mediated signaling pathways whereas ALOX5-5-HETE activates ERK-mediated signaling in gastric cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work demonstrates the critical role of ALOX5-5-HETE in gastric cancer and provides pre-clinical evidence to initialize clinical trial using zileuton in combination with chemotherapy for treating gastric cancer.