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PLAUR

PLAUR is the gene that encodes the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell-surface receptor. uPAR localizes urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) activity to the cell surface, promoting pericellular proteolysis and extracellular matrix remodeling. The receptor binds uPA with high affinity and concentrates plasmin generation at the cell surface, facilitating processes such as migration and invasion. Although uPAR itself lacks a transmembrane domain, it participates in signaling through interactions with integrins, vitronectin, and other co-receptors, influencing cell adhesion, proliferation, and motility.

uPAR exists primarily as a membrane-anchored protein but can be released from the cell surface as soluble

Expression of PLAUR is widespread but varies across tissues and cell types, with notable presence on immune

forms
(suPAR)
by
proteolytic
cleavage
or
shedding
of
the
GPI
anchor.
Soluble
suPAR
circulates
in
blood
and
other
body
fluids
and
serves
as
a
biomarker
of
immune
activation
and
inflammation.
In
addition
to
tumor
biology,
suPAR
levels
have
been
associated
with
prognosis
in
sepsis,
kidney
disease,
cardiovascular
disease,
and
chronic
inflammatory
conditions.
cells,
endothelial
cells,
and
many
tumor
cells.
Regulation
occurs
in
response
to
inflammatory
cytokines
and
growth
factors.
Clinically,
the
uPA/uPAR
axis
is
explored
as
a
therapeutic
target
in
cancer
and
other
diseases
due
to
its
role
in
pericellular
proteolysis,
cell
signaling,
and
tissue
remodeling.