UROKINASE TYPE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR Meaning and
Definition
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Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is a specific enzyme that belongs to the serine protease family. It is a glycoprotein involved in the breakdown of blood clots and the regulation of tissue remodeling and cell migration. Urokinase was first discovered in the urine and was subsequently found to be produced by various types of cells, including endothelial, epithelial, and cancer cells.
As a plasminogen activator, urokinase plays a crucial role in the fibrinolytic system by converting plasminogen, an inactive precursor, into plasmin, an active enzyme responsible for the degradation of fibrin clots. This process facilitates the dissolution of blood clots and the maintenance of proper blood flow.
In addition to its role in fibrinolysis, urokinase is also involved in various physiological and pathological processes. It promotes the migration and invasion of cells through extracellular matrix barriers, contributing to tissue remodeling during wound healing and embryonic development. However, excessive uPA activity has been implicated in pathological conditions such as cancer metastasis, as it allows cancer cells to invade surrounding tissues and form secondary tumors.
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator has clinical significance, as it serves as a therapeutic agent for thrombotic disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It can be administered intravenously to promote clot dissolution and restore blood flow. The development of uPA inhibitors is also a topic of research, aiming to regulate its activity in cases of excessive proteolysis or unwanted tissue invasion.
Common Misspellings for UROKINASE TYPE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR
- yrokinase type plasminogen activator
- hrokinase type plasminogen activator
- jrokinase type plasminogen activator
- irokinase type plasminogen activator
- 8rokinase type plasminogen activator
- 7rokinase type plasminogen activator
- ueokinase type plasminogen activator
- udokinase type plasminogen activator
- ufokinase type plasminogen activator
- utokinase type plasminogen activator
- u5okinase type plasminogen activator
- u4okinase type plasminogen activator
- urikinase type plasminogen activator
- urkkinase type plasminogen activator
- urlkinase type plasminogen activator
- urpkinase type plasminogen activator
- ur0kinase type plasminogen activator
- ur9kinase type plasminogen activator
- urojinase type plasminogen activator
- urominase type plasminogen activator
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