Lysyl Oxidases Related to Human Diseases

Lysyl oxidases (LOXs) are a family of anabolic enzymes that function to maintain, heal, and remodel tissue architecture by cross linking the extracellular matrix proteins, collagens and elastins. In a series of studies, LOXs have been considered as a family of multi-functional enzymes, which play an essential role in cell proliferation, cell chemotactical responses and tumor genesis. LOXs have now been implicated in several pathological conditions including connective tissue disease, exfoliation syndrome, disorders of copper metabolism, pelvic organ prolapse and bone disorders, so on. Its biosynthesis, structure characteristics, multi-function and relationship between LOXs and human diseases were summarized.