Molecular regulation of urokinase-receptor gene expression as one potential concept for molecular staging and therapy

Recent Results Cancer Res. 2003:162:15-30. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-59349-9_2.

Abstract

The urokinase-receptor (u-PAR) is a central molecule of invasion and metastasis promoting plasminogen-dependent extracellular matrix degradation in diverse carcinoma types such as gastric or colon cancer. Overexpression of u-PAR has been reported to occur mainly at the transcriptional level in malignant cells, and has been shown to indicate a poor clinical prognosis of cancer patients. This review will give an overview on experimental findings on u-PAR and its function, molecular mechanisms of its regulation, and its impact for future clinical decision planning and potential therapeutic concepts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / physiology*
  • Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • PLAUR protein, human
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator