Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a copper-dependent enzyme critical for extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling by catalyzing the cross-linking of collagen and elastin, thereby maintaining tissue integrity. Dysregulated LOX expression is implicated in fibrosis, cancer progression, and cardiovascular diseases. In cancer, LOX promotes metastasis by stiffening the ECM, facilitating tumor cell invasion, and inducing pre-metastatic niche formation. It also modulates hypoxia-driven pathways, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. In fibrotic disorders, excessive LOX activity contributes to pathological ECM accumulation, driving organ dysfunction.
LOX antibodies are essential tools for detecting LOX expression, localization, and activity in research. They enable the study of LOX’s role in disease mechanisms via techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Neutralizing LOX antibodies have therapeutic potential; preclinical studies show that inhibiting LOX reduces tumor metastasis and fibrosis in animal models. Additionally, LOX isoforms (LOX and LOXL1-4) exhibit distinct tissue-specific functions, necessitating isoform-selective antibodies for precise research. Recent efforts focus on developing therapeutic antibodies or small-molecule inhibitors targeting LOX to treat cancers or fibrotic diseases. However, challenges remain in ensuring specificity, minimizing off-target effects, and optimizing delivery. Overall, LOX antibodies bridge fundamental research and clinical translation, offering insights into LOX-driven pathologies and paving the way for targeted therapies.