Title : Structure of human urokinase
plasminogen activator in complex with its
receptor
Abstract :
- The urokinase plasminogen activator binds to its cellular receptor with high affinity and initiates signaling cascades that are implicated in pathological processes including tumor growth, metastasis, and inflammation
- We report the crystal structure at 1.9 angstroms of the urokinase receptor complexed with the urokinase amino-terminal fragment and an antibody against the receptor
- The three domains of urokinase receptor form a concave shape with a central cone-shaped cavity where the urokinase fragment inserts
- The structure provides insight into the flexibility of the urokinase receptor that enables its interaction with a wide variety of ligands and a basis for the design of urokinase-urokinase receptor antagonists