Human lysyl oxidase-like 2

•The structure and functions of human lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) are reviewed.•Hypotheses for cofactor biogenesis and the role of Cu2+ are described.•Proposed functions of LOXL2 in breast cancer oncogenesis are emphasized.•Hypothesized functions of intracellular and secreted LOXL2 are highlighted.•Paradoxes, major gaps in knowledge, and potential inhibitory strategies are noted.

Lysyl oxidase like-2 (LOXL2) belongs to the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family, which comprises Cu2+- and lysine tyrosylquinone (LTQ)-dependent amine oxidases. LOXL2 is proposed to function similarly to LOX in the extracellular matrix (ECM) by promoting crosslinking of collagen and elastin. LOXL2 has also been proposed to regulate extracellular and intracellular cell signaling pathways. Dysregulation of LOXL2 has been linked to many diseases, including cancer, pro-oncogenic angiogenesis, fibrosis and heart diseases. In this review, we will give an overview of the current understandings and hypotheses regarding the molecular functions of LOXL2.

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