Loxl4-flox Mouse

Loxl4, short for Lysyl oxidase-like 4, is a member of the lysyl oxidase family. It is a copper and lysine tyrosylquinone-dependent amine oxidase. Its main function is to catalyze the cross-linking of elastin and collagen in the extracellular matrix, playing a crucial role in extracellular matrix formation and repair [1,4].

Genetic ablation of Loxl4 in mice markedly disrupts pathological collagen cross-linking and fibrosis in the lung, indicating that Loxl4 is the main lysyl oxidase activity underlying pathological collagen cross-linking and lung fibrosis [2]. However, abrogation of Loxl4 in mice does not induce a more severe thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysm compared with wild-type mice, suggesting that Loxl4 may not play a major role in the development of angiotensin II-induced aortic aneurysm [3].

In conclusion, Loxl4 is essential for extracellular matrix cross-linking. Mouse models with Loxl4 knockout have been valuable in revealing its role in lung fibrosis and aortic aneurysm development. These findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms of related diseases and may provide insights for potential therapeutic strategies.