LYSYL OXIDASE (LOX) – A FUTURE NEW ALLY ON THE STAGE OF THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

Abstract

The local extracellular matrix (EM) remodelling is considered one of the critical events in metastasis, both at primary and the secondary sites. One of the main actors on the EM remodelling is lysyl oxidase (LOX). In this connection, the aim of this paper is to bring to light a possible future systemic (and why not, salivary) biomarker of the metastatic process. LOX best-characterized role is in the EM remodelling by oxidative deamination of collagens and elastin peptidyl lysine residues, in order to facilitate covalent cross-linking. The LOX family members seem to play extremely important roles in these extracellular matrix interactions. Future research is needed to confirm whether simple LOX blocking or its downstream actions control could be regarded as target of preventive treatment in patients at a higher risk of metastasis. This is how the portrait of the future biomarker of LOX is becoming more and more outlined.

Keywords

• extracellular matrix
• lysyl oxidase
• biomarker
• metastatic process