FLAP (Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase-activated protein) is a human protein encoded by the ALOX5AP gene. FLAP is necessary for 5-lipoxygenase activation and therefore for leukotriene production. It's a complete protein in the nuclear envelope. FLAP is necessary for the synthesis of leukotriene, a lipid mediator of inflammation involved in respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
FLAP acts as a membrane anchor for 5-lipoxygenase and as an amino acid binding protein. Genetic polymorphisms in FLAP are suspected to play a role in Alzheimer's disease. The leukotriene from which FLAP protein is prepared has established pathological roles in allergies and respiratory diseases. Animal and human genetic evidence suggests that they may also play an important role in atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The structure of FLAP provides a tool to develop new therapies for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and to design focused experiments to explore the cell biology of FLAP and its role in leucotriene biosynthesis.
