Function and expression of the uPA/uPAR system in cancer metastasis

AGUIRRE GHISO JA; ALONSO DF; FARIAS EF

Cancer Metastasis. Biologic basis and therapeutics

Cambridge University Press

Año: 2011; p. 223 - 236

The discovery of the plasminogen activator system and its role in pathophysiological conditions such as cancer in the early 70’s created a new paradigm in cancer biology. The protease uPA was the first proteolytic enzyme ever to be linked to cancer metastasis and these early studies pioneered the notion that tumor cells may remodel their microenvironment and remove barriers to movement for dissemination and metastasis development. More than 30 years later the research in this field continues to be vigorous and its potential as a therapeutic target has never been clearer. In this chapter we review the role of uPA and its receptor uPAR in cancer. We will explore the mechanisms by which their expression is regulated as well as the classical and novel functions these molecules have in cancer. Finally we will learn how garnering knowledge about these mechanisms has led to the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies and molecules that may be applied to treat minimal residual and metastatic disease.