5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) is expressed primarily in polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, and mast cells. 5-LO performs the first two catalytic reactions in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes, lipid metabolites that induce contractions of airway smooth muscle and increase vascular permeability during anaphylaxis. The cellular localization of 5-LO varies between cell types. In activated blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes 5-LO undergoes calcium dependent translocation from the cytosol to the nuclear envelope. In alveolar macrophages, the majority of 5-LO is localized in the nucleus and, upon activation of these cells, intranuclear 5-LO binds to the nuclear membrane. This intracellular shuttling of 5-LO is dependent on the association with various signaling molecules, phosphorylation and the presence of a distinct
