Snail is a transcription factor that controls epithelial-mesenchymal transitions, processes also involved in the metastasis of epithelial tumors. This control is exercised by repressing expression of E-cadherin, and other epithelial genes.
The work done by the research group of Dr. Portillo is a step forward in understanding the mechanisms that regulate the function of Snail.

It shows that the enzymes lysyl oxidase 2 and 3 (LOXL2 and LOXL3) interact and cooperate in infraexpresion of E-cadherin mediated by this transcription factor. Snail has two lysine, Lys98 and 137, very important for stability, for their cooperation with the lysyl oxidase and, ultimately, for their role in controlling epithelial-mesenchymal transitions.

LOXL2 overexpression or LOXL3 in epithelial cells induces cell migration process, suggesting that overexpression of these same genes, or others with equivalent functions may play a role in the metastasis of tumors of epithelial tissue. Conversely, RNA interference LOXL2 gene in metastatic cells expressing Snail results in a sharp decline in the growth of tumors associated with increased apoptosis and decreased angiogenesis and mesenchymal markers.

The authors have demonstrated the close relationship between LOXL2 / 3, Snail and carcinogenesis.