Urokinase

Urokinase (Abbokinase), also called urokinase-type Plasminogen Activator (uPA), is a plasmin. Activation of plasmin triggers a proteolysis cascade which, depending on the physiological environment participate in thrombolysis or extracellular matrix degradation. This links urokinase to vascular diseases and cancer.

Molecular characteristics

Urokinase is a 411 residue disulfide bond.

Interaction partners

The most important inhibitors of urokinase are the urokinase receptor.

Urokinase and cancer

Elevated urokinase receptor, urokinase affects several other aspects of cancer biology such as cells adhesion, migration and cellular mitotic pathways.

Clinical applications

Urokinase is used clinically as a thrombolytic agent in the treatment of severe or massive deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and occluded intravenous or dialysis cannulas. Recently, Alteplase has replaced urokinase as a thrombolytic drug in infarctation.