Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an essential enzyme in the human body that plays a crucial role in the cross-linking of collagen and elastin, which are major structural proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM). This enzyme is responsible for the oxidative deamination of lysine residues, leading to the formation of aldehyde groups. These aldehydes can then react with other lysine residues or aldehydes to form covalent cross-links, which are essential for the stability and elasticity of connective tissues.
