ALOX gene family

Genes in the arachidonate lipoxygenases (ALOX) gene family provide instructions for making enzymes that are involved in a number of biological functions. These functions include cell growth, cell survival, the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), and immune responses. Most of the ALOX enzymes help add an oxygen molecule to a fatty acid called arachidonic acid. The addition of oxygen to arachidonic acid produces substances called fatty acid hydroperoxides. One member of the ALOX family, the eLOX3 enzyme, plays a role in converting fatty acid hydroperoxides into hormones called eicosanoids that act as signaling molecules to facilitate communication between cells. Cell-to-cell communication influences biological functions by altering a cell's shape or chemical environment.

Mutations in ALOX genes have been associated with a variety of health conditions, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, skin disorders, and cancer.