Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator (PLAU/uPA) ELISA Kit for Rat

This gene encodes a secreted serine protease that converts plasminogen to plasmin. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate A and B polypeptide chains. These chains associate via a single disulfide bond to form the catalytically inactive high molecular weight urokinase-type plasminogen activator (HMW-uPA). HMW-uPA can be further processed into the catalytically active low molecular weight urokinase-type plasminogen activator (LMW-uPA). This low molecular weight form does not bind to the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor. Mutations in this gene may be associated with Quebec platelet disorder and late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants, at least one of which encodes an isoform that is proteolytically processed. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2016]

uPA: Specifically cleave the zymogen plasminogen to form the active enzyme plasmin. Defects in PLAU are the cause of Quebec platelet disorder (QPD). QPD is an autosomal dominant bleeding disorder due to a gain-of-function defect in fibrinolysis. Although affected individuals do not exhibit systemic fibrinolysis, they show delayed onset bleeding after challenge, such as surgery. The hallmark of the disorder is markedly increased PLAU levels within platelets, which causes intraplatelet plasmin generation and secondary degradation of alpha-granule proteins. Belongs to the peptidase S1 family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: EC 3.4.21.73; Secreted; Secreted, signal peptide; Motility/polarity/chemotaxis; Protease

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 10q22.2

Cellular Component: cell surface; extracellular region; extracellular space; focal adhesion; plasma membrane

Molecular Function: protein binding; serine-type endopeptidase activity

Biological Process: angiogenesis; blood coagulation; chemotaxis; embryo implantation; fibrinolysis; positive regulation of cell proliferation; positive regulation of smooth muscle cell migration; proteolysis; regulation of cell adhesion mediated by integrin; regulation of receptor activity; regulation of smooth muscle cell migration; response to activity; response to hyperoxia; signal transduction; skeletal muscle regeneration; smooth muscle cell migration; spermatogenesis

Disease: Alzheimer Disease; Quebec Platelet Disorder