Lysyl oxidase as a potential therapeutic target.
Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a copper-dependent amine oxidase that catalyzes the covalent cross-link of collagens and elastin in the extracellular environment, thereby determining the mechanical properties of extracellular matrix (ECM) and connective tissues. ECM remodeling is a common feature of diverse pathologic processes. Therefore, dysregulation of LOX could underlie the onset and progression of multiple pathologies affecting connective tissue, such as fibrotic processes, tumor progression and metastasis and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Here we review clinical and experimental evidence that supports a role for LOX in the pathophysiology of those processes and point out LOX as a potential therapeutic target.
Centro de Investigacion Cardiovascular (CSIC-ICCC), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain. crodriguezs@csic-iccc.org
Cristina
C
Rodríguez
Antonio
A
Rodríguez-Sinovas
José
J
Martínez-González
D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000201:enzymology; D004646:Emphysema / Q000201:enzymology; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005355:Fibrosis; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology; D008249:Protein-Lysine 6-Oxidase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D008249:Protein-Lysine 6-Oxidase