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Structure and function of the urokinase receptor
1Institute of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Summary
The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (u-PAR) is crucial for cell signaling and cancer invasion. This review details u-PAR structure, function, and its role in tumor degradation processes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (u-PAR) is a cell surface receptor involved in the plasminogen activation system.
- It plays a role in various cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural and functional aspects of u-PAR.
- To highlight recent findings concerning u-PAR.
- To discuss the role of u-PAR in cancer invasion and degradation processes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on structural and functional aspects of u-PAR.
- Discussion of findings from immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization studies.
- Analysis of in vitro invasion model systems.
Main Results:
- u-PAR possesses a repetitive domain structure, a GPI-type membrane anchor, and N-linked carbohydrates.
- Mo3 antigen is identified as identical to u-PAR.
- u-PAR is involved in ligand binding, activation cascade modulation, u-PAR cleavage by u-PA, and internalization of inhibitor complexes.
- Evidence suggests u-PAR is important in cancer invasion and tumor degradation.
Conclusions:
- u-PAR is a multifunctional receptor with significant roles in cell signaling and extracellular matrix degradation.
- Its involvement in cancer invasion highlights its potential as a therapeutic target.