Urokinase-type plasminogen activator messenger RNA (uPA mRNA) (uPA mRNA)

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) messenger RNA (mRNA) is the transcript of the PLAU gene, which encodes a serine protease responsible for converting plasminogen into active plasmin [UniProt, 2024]. This enzymatic process is a fundamental component of the fibrinolytic system and plays a pivotal role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), a process necessary for cell migration and tissue remodeling [NCBI Gene, 2024]. In the context of oncology, uPA mRNA is frequently upregulated in various solid tumors, where it facilitates basement membrane degradation, thereby promoting tumor cell invasion and metastasis [PubMed, 2016]. Consequently, uPA mRNA has emerged as a therapeutic target for gene-silencing technologies, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which aim to downregulate uPA protein expression at the source [PubMed, 2009]. While primarily in the experimental and preclinical stages, targeting uPA mRNA represents a precision medicine approach to disrupting the uPA/uPAR signaling axis in oncology [Frontiers in Oncology, 2021]. Current research is focused on overcoming delivery challenges to effectively utilize uPA mRNA-targeted therapies in treating aggressive and metastatic cancers [MDPI, 2023]. By silencing the transcript, these therapies can potentially achieve more sustained inhibition of the proteolytic cascade compared to small molecule inhibitors of the protein [PubMed, 2009]. Furthermore, uPA mRNA levels in tissue or circulation serve as significant prognostic biomarkers for patient survival and disease recurrence [PubMed, 1997].

Other names

PLAU mRNAUrokinase plasminogen activator mRNAu-PA mRNAPlasminogen activator, urokinase mRNA

RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense-mediated degradation of mRNA, leading to reduced translation of the uPA protein [PubMed, 2009; MDPI, 2023].