Urokinase (PLAUR) Enzyme

This gene encodes the receptor for urokinase plasminogen activator and, given its role in localizing and promoting plasmin formation, likely influences many normal and pathological processes related to cell-surface plasminogen activation and localized degradation of the extracellular matrix. It binds both the proprotein and mature forms of urokinase plasminogen activator and permits the activation of the receptor-bound pro-enzyme by plasmin. The protein lacks transmembrane or cytoplasmic domains and may be anchored to the plasma membrane by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) moiety following cleavage of the nascent polypeptide near its carboxy-terminus. However, a soluble protein is also produced in some cell types. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms. The proprotein experiences several post-translational cleavage reactions that have not yet been fully defined. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Function: Acts as a receptor for urokinase plasminogen activator. Plays a role in localizing and promoting plasmin formation. Mediates the proteolysis-independent signal transduction activation effects of U-PA. It is subject to negative-feedback regulation by U-PA which cleaves it into an inactive form.

Subunit structure: Monomer

Probable. Interacts with MRC2. Interacts (via the UPAR/Ly6 domains) with SRPX2. Interacts with SORL1. Ref.19 Ref.21 Ref.23

Subcellular location: Isoform 1: Cell membrane; Lipid-anchor › GPI-anchor. Isoform 2: Secreted

Probable.

Tissue specificity: Expressed in neurons of the rolandic area of the brain (at protein level). Expressed in the brain.

Sequence similarities: Contains 3 UPAR/Ly6 domains.