Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 27, 2025

Measurement of Pulse Propagation Velocity, Distensibility and Strain in an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Mouse Model
Published on: February 23, 2020
Novel LOX Variants in Five Families with Aortic/Arterial Aneurysm and Dissection with Variable Connective Tissue
Ilse Van Gucht1, Alice Krebsova2, Birgitte Rode Diness3
1Center of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium.
Insights
Loss-of-function variants in the lysyl oxidase (LOX) gene cause a range of aortic and arterial diseases. These genetic changes are linked to thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) and connective tissue abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Genetics
- Extracellular Matrix Biology
Background:
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) poses significant cardiovascular risks.
- Loss-of-function variants in the lysyl oxidase (LOX) gene are known causes of familial TAAD.
Observation:
- Five new probands with LOX variants were identified using a TAAD gene panel.
- Variants included missense mutations in the catalytic domain and truncating mutations.
- Connective tissue abnormalities were observed in many variant carriers.
- Disease presentation varied, with some experiencing early-onset TAAD and others normal aortic diameters later in life.
- A patient with spontaneous coronary artery dissection was found to carry a LOX variant.
Findings:
- Loss-of-function LOX variants are associated with a spectrum of aortic and arterial aneurysmal diseases.
- These variants can manifest with or without connective tissue findings.
- The spectrum includes TAAD and spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
Implications:
- LOX variants represent a significant genetic factor in diverse arterial diseases.
- Understanding LOX function is crucial for diagnosing and managing aneurysmal conditions.
- Genetic screening for LOX variants may aid in early detection and personalized treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Loss-of-function variants in LOX, encoding the extracellular matrix crosslinking enzyme lysyl oxidase, have been reported to cause familial TAAD. Using a next-generation TAAD gene panel, we identified five additional probands carrying LOX variants, including two missense variants affecting highly conserved amino acids in the LOX catalytic domain and three truncating variants. Connective tissue manifestations are apparent in a substantial fraction of the variant carriers. Some LOX variant carriers presented with TAAD early in life, while others had normal aortic diameters at an advanced age. Finally, we identified the first patient with spontaneous coronary artery dissection carrying a LOX variant. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that loss-of-function LOX variants cause a spectrum of aortic and arterial aneurysmal disease, often combined with connective tissue findings.
Related Concept Videos
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Thoracic Aorta

