PLAUR
Description
The PLAUR (plasminogen activator, urokinase receptor) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
PLAUR, also known as urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor (uPAR) or CD87 (Cluster of Differentiation 87), is a protein encoded in humans by the PLAUR gene. It is a multidomain glycoprotein tethered to the cell membrane with a glycosylphosphotidylinositol (GPI) anchor. uPAR was originally identified as a saturable binding site for urokinase (also known as uPA) on the cell surface.
uPAR consists of three tandem LU domains, which are protein domains of the three-finger protein family. The structure of uPAR has been solved by X-ray crystallography in complex with a peptide antagonist and with its native ligand, urokinase. All three three-finger domains are necessary for high affinity binding of the primary ligand, urokinase. In addition, uPAR also interacts with several other proteins, including vitronectin, the uPAR associated protein (uPARAP) and the integrin family of membrane proteins. It has been possible to express uPAR recombinantly in CHO-cells and S2 cells from Drosophila melanogaster. 4 out of 5 of the possible glycosylation sites are used in vivo giving the protein a molecular weight of 50–60 kDA.
uPAR is a part of the plasminogen activation system, which in the healthy body is involved in tissue reorganization events such as mammary gland involution and wound healing. In order to be able to reorganize tissue, the old tissue must be able to be degraded.
PLAUR acts as a receptor for urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), facilitating its localization and promoting the formation of plasmin. PLAUR also mediates the activation of signal transduction pathways independent of proteolysis by uPA. Interestingly, PLAUR is subject to negative feedback regulation by uPA, which cleaves it into an inactive form.
PLAUR is also known as CD87, U-PAR, UPAR, URKR.
