Loxl2, also known as Lysyl Oxidase Like 2, belongs to the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family. It is a copper and lysine tyrosyl-quinone (LTQ)-dependent amine oxidase. Its canonical function is to catalyze the cross-linking of elastin and collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) [4]. It is involved in multiple biological processes and is associated with various diseases, especially cancer and fibrosis [1,2,3,4,6]. Genetically modified mouse models have been crucial for in-depth exploration of its in vivo role [1].

In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) mouse models, Loxl2 ablation had little effect on primary tumour development but significantly decreased metastasis and increased overall survival, attributed to non-cell autonomous factors like ECM remodelling. Conversely, Loxl2 overexpression promoted primary and metastatic tumour growth and decreased overall survival, linked to increased epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness [5].

In conclusion, Loxl2 plays a significant role in processes such as ECM remodelling, EMT, and metastasis. The use of Loxl2 knockout or conditional knockout mouse models has provided valuable insights into its role in cancer, especially in PDAC, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in treating metastatic disease [5].