uPAR Proteins and Enzymes

The urokinase-type Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) is a GPI-anchored protein that binds to both the inactive and active forms of uPA. This interaction serves to localize and enhance the proteolytic activity of uPA, leading to increased conversion of Plasminogen to Plasmin. uPA also triggers uPAR-mediated signal transduction, activation of protein tyrosine kinases, gene expression, cell adhesion, and chemotaxis. uPAR can additionally regulate cell adhesion by direct binding to Vitronectin and preventing Integrins from binding to their ligands.