Intra-and intermolecular covalent cross-linking between collagen fibrils, catalyzed by lysyl
oxidase (LOX), determines the mechanical properties of connective tissues; however,
mechanisms that regulate the collagen cross-linking according to tissue specificity are not
well understood. Here we show that periostin, a secretory protein in the dense connective
tissues, promotes the activation of LOX. Previous studies showed that periostin null mice
exhibit reduced collagen cross-linking in their femurs, periosteum, infarcted myocardium …