Thromb Haemost 2007; 97(03): 336-342
DOI: 10.1160/TH06-11-0669
Theme Issue Article
Schattauer GmbH

uPAR – uPA – PAI-1 interactions and signaling: A vascular biologist’s view

Bernd R. Binder
1   Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Biomolecular Medicine and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
,
Judit Mihaly
1   Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Biomolecular Medicine and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
,
Gerald W. Prager
1   Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Biomolecular Medicine and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 26 November 2006

Accepted after revision 18 January 2007

Publication Date:
28 November 2017 (online)

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Summary

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), its inhibitor PA I-1 and its cellular receptor (uPAR), play a pivotal role in pericellular proteolysis. In addition, through their interactions with extracellular matrix proteins as well as with transmembrane receptors and other links to the intracellular signaling machinery, they modulate cell migration, cell-matrix interactions and signaling pathways. A large body of experimental evidence from in-vitro and in-vivo data as well as from the clinics indicates an important role of the uPA-uPAR-PAI-1 systems in cancer. In addition to their role in tumor cell biology, the uPA-uPAR-PAI-1 systems are also important for vascular biology by modulating angiogenesis and by altering migration of smooth muscle cells and fibrin deposition in atherosclerosis and restenosis. This review will focus on the general mechanism of uPAR/uPA/PAI-1 interactions and signaling and the possible relevance of this system in vascular biology.