Description
LOXL1 is a member of the lysyl oxidase gene family which is essential to the biogenesis of connective tissue. LOXL1 encodes an extracellular copper-dependent amine oxidase that catalyses the first step in the formation of crosslinks in collagens and elastin. LOXL1 is responsible for catalyzing the oxidative deamination of lysine residues of tropoelastin and this deamination causes spontaneous cross-linking and formation of elastin polymer fibers. LOXL1 serves both as a crosslinking enzyme and an element of the scaffold to ensure spatially defined deposition of elastin