Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the SOD-TAT fusion protein.

The superoxide dismutase (SOD) family of proteins are necessary to protect oxygen-utilizing cells from the toxicity of reactive oxygen species. The delivery of SOD into tissues is severely limited by its size and biochemical properties. A cell-membrane-permeable SOD, SOD-TAT, has been demonstrated to have the ability to be directly transduced into mammalian cells.

Inhibition of lipoxygenase by (-)-epigallocatechin gallate: X-ray analysis at 2.1 A reveals degradation of EGCG and shows soybean LOX-3 complex with EGC instead.

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are non-heme iron containing enzymes ubiquitous in nature and participating in the metabolism of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). They are capable of combining their dioxygenase activity with its co-oxidative activity manifesting itself in biotransformation reactions catalyzed by LOXs for other than PUFA small molecules. LOXs involvement in inflammatory diseases and cancer have been well documented.

Structure of curcumin in complex with lipoxygenase and its significance in cancer.

Scientific research provides documented evidence that fatty acid metabolites have profound impact on carcinogenesis. Intervention into dioxygenase pathways might therefore effect development, metastasis and progression of many types of cancers. This work delivers the first 3D structural data and explains how curcumin interacts with the fatty acid metabolizing enzyme, soybean lipoxygenase.