The Importance of LOX Family Members on Modulating Cell-ECM Interactions in Carcinogenesis

Abstract

The Extracellular Matrix (ECM) presents a fundamentally important local microenvironment for cancer cells in terms of tumour development and progression. A major component of the ECM is the diverse and complex collection of macromolecules, which come together to provide the biochemical and biomechanical cues responsible for controlling individual and collective cell behaviour. Under normal conditions, the tight control of ECM composition and regulation of ECM dynamics (remodelling) is critical to correct organ development and homeostasis. Dysregulation of these normal ECM dynamics plays an enormous role in diseases such as cancer by disrupting normal cell behaviour. Understanding how changes in ECM remodelling drive cancer is critical to developing efficacious therapies targeting the tumour ECM. In this mini review we focus on the Lysyl Oxidase (LOX) family of proteins and their importance in post-translational modification of ECM components in the context of tumourigenesis.