LOXL2

LOXL2 is one of the five lysyl-oxidases. Lysyl-oxidase is an enzyme that was identified as an enzyme that cross-links collagen and elastin monomers thereby stabilizing the extracellular matrix. LOXL2 (previously known as LOR-1) was initially identified as an upregulated gene in Werner's syndrome (Saito et al., 1997). Unlike lysyl-oxidase, LOXL2 is not synthesized as a pro-enzyme that undergoes cleavage required for its activation. It belongs to a sub-family of lysyl-oxidases that also includes LOXL3 and LOXL4. Work from the laboratory of Prof. Neufeld identified LOXL2 as an enzyme that induces tumor cells invasiveness and metastasis and promotes fibrosis (Akiri et al., 2003; Vadasz et al., 2005). A drug targeting LOXL2 for the treatment of tumor progression and fibrotic diseases that is based on these findings is currently in clinical trials.