Lysyl oxidase inhibitors in colorectal cancer progression
Muxian Liu, Muxian Liu, Jie Wang, Meihong Liu, Meihong Liu
Abstract
• Lysyl Oxidase (LOX) family is aberrantly expressed in a variety of tumors. • Aberrant expression of LOX family is associated with CRC progression. • Targeting LOX proteins by inhibitors may provide novel strategies for CRC treatment. The lysine oxidase (LOX) family, consisting of LOX and LOX-like-1–4 (LOXL1–LOXL4), catalyses the cross-linking reaction of collagen and elastin in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Numerous studies have demonstrated that LOX family members are dysregulated in a variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), and play a key role in cancer cell migration, proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Targeting LOX family proteins with specific inhibitors has therefore been developed as a new therapeutic strategy for cancer. In this paper, we review the role of LOX enzymes in the development and progression of CRC. In addition, we address recent advances in the development of LOX/LOXL inhibitors, highlighting the potential use of this inhibitor as an effective and complementary treatment for CRC.