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Uroplakins and their potential applications in urology
Michal Andrzej Matuszewski1, Krzysztof Tupikowski2, Łukasz Dołowy1
1Department of Urology, University Clinical Hospital in Wrocław, Poland.
Central European Journal of Urology
|October 13, 2016
Summary
Uroplakins are key glycoproteins in urothelial plaques, essential for urinary tract health. Disturbances in their formation are linked to diseases, making them potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Urology
Background:
- Urothelium, the urinary tract lining, possesses unique properties attributed to urothelial plaques.
- These plaques are formed by glycoprotein heteropolymers known as uroplakins (UPIa, UPIb, UPII, UPIII).
Approach:
- A comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed.
- The review focused on original research and review articles concerning uroplakins.
Key Points:
- Uroplakins are detectable in various biological samples, including tissue, urine, and blood.
- Complex uroplakin plaque formation is crucial; disruptions may underlie pathological conditions.
- Uroplakins are implicated in urothelial cancer and urinary tract infections.
Conclusions:
- Uroplakins, as terminal products of urothelial cells, exhibit unique structural and functional characteristics.
- These glycoproteins play a role in urinary tract diseases, serving as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
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