Target intelligence / Profile preview

Urokinase-type Plasminogen Activator (uPA)

Target: uPA
Molecular classification: Serine protease, Enzyme

Overview

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is a serine protease enzyme that converts inactive plasminogen into active plasmin, initiating a proteolytic cascade involved in tissue remodeling, cell migration, and fibrinolysis. uPA binds to its receptor uPAR, localizing proteolytic activity and triggering intracellular signaling pathways. uPA is implicated in both physiological and pathological processes, including wound healing, cancer metastasis, and inflammation, making it a relevant therapeutic target and biomarker.

Other names: UrokinasePLAU

Mechanism of action

Catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, leading to fibrin clot lysis and ECM degradation. Binds to uPAR to initiate intracellular signaling.

Biological functions

FibrinolysisExtracellular matrix degradationTissue remodelingCell migrationActivation of plasminogen

Disease associations

ThrombosisCancerInflammationCardiovascular diseaseKidney dysfunction

Safety considerations

Bleeding complications (with thrombolytic use)Potential for off-target effects due to broad substrate specificity

Interacting drugs

Urokinase

2 more in the full profile.

Biomarkers

uPA expression levels in tumor tissueuPAR expression levels in tumor tissuesuPAR levels in plasma

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