Lox Family and Their Role in Tumour Formation: An Overview

ABSTRACT

@#The lysyl oxidase family has five family members which are; Lysyl Oxidase (LOX), Lysyl Oxidase Like-1 (LOXL1), Lysyl Oxidase Like-2 (LOXL2), Lysyl Oxidase Like-3 (LOXL3), and Lysyl Oxidase Like-4 (LOXL4). These are amine oxidases which are copper (Cu) dependent. The main function of these secreted enzymes is covalently crosslinking extracellular collagens and elastins, making the extracellular matrix (ECM) stable. Association with LOX family enzymes has been found in various diseases including tumours, suggesting that it may be involved in the pathogenesis of the lesions. To add to the complexity, some of the LOX family members have been linked with tumour suppression while the other members were associated with tumour promotion, progression and metastasis. Thus, this review will explore further insight into the role of LOX family in tumour formation.