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Updated: May 12, 2026

The Nijmegen Hemostasis Assay: Simultaneous Fluorogenic Measurement of Thrombin and Plasmin Generation in a Single Well
Published on: February 27, 2026
Plasminogen receptors: the first quarter century
Lindsey A Miles1, Robert J Parmer
1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA. lmiles@scripps.edu
Cell surface plasminogen binding enhances cell migration and signaling in processes like inflammation and cancer. Recent structural data and novel receptor discoveries deepen our understanding of these critical cell interactions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cell surface plasminogen binding promotes plasmin formation and proteolytic activity.
- Plasmin-dependent cell migration is central to physiological and pathological processes.
- Cell surface plasmin influences inflammation, wound healing, cancer, and more.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging data on plasminogen-cell surface interactions.
- To address longstanding controversies and new issues in the field.
- To highlight recent advancements in understanding plasminogen receptors and their functions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of X-ray crystal structures of plasminogen.
- Development of antibodies recognizing cell-induced conformational changes.
- Investigation of plasminogen receptor identity and function, including Plg-RKT.
- Examination of plasminogen and plasminogen activator receptor colocalization.
Main Results:
- Structural insights clarify plasminogen-cell interactions.
- The link between apoptosis and plasminogen binding is explored.
- A novel plasminogen receptor, Plg-RKT, has been identified.
- Interplay between receptors and cellular functions is elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Recent structural and receptor discoveries advance understanding of cell surface plasminogen interactions.
- Plasminogen receptors play a crucial role in regulating cell functions and fibrinolysis.
- Further research into receptor colocalization offers new insights into cell surface processes.
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