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William S. Powell, Ph.D. Professor Meakins-Christie Laboratories, |
Research:
Eicosanoids and inflammatory diseases
We discovered a 5-lipoxygenase product, 5-oxo-ETE (5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid), which can be formed by neutrophils, monocytes, and other leukocytes as well as epithelial and endothelial cells (reviewed in Progr Lipid Res, 44:154 (2005)). This compound acts via the highly selective OXE receptor to mobilize calcium, upregulate cell adhesion molecules, and stimulate actin polymerization in eosinophils and neutrophils. It is the most potent human eosinophil chemoattractant known among lipid mediators and has effects similar to peptide chemokines such as eotaxin on these cells. We are currently investigating the regulation of the synthesis of 5-oxo-ETE and other 5-lipoxygenase products by cellular stress, as well as their effects on inflammatory cells and involvement in asthma. We are trying to define the requirements for activation of the OXE receptor and to develop selective antagonists against this receptor that may be useful in treating eosinophilic inflammation.
Further information can be found on the web page of WS Powell at the Meakins-Christie Laboratories.