Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is an enzyme that plays a significant role in the process of fibrinolysis, which is the breakdown of fibrin in blood clots. It is involved in the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, leading to the degradation of fibrin and other components of the extracellular matrix. This process is crucial in various physiological and pathological conditions, including wound healing and tissue remodeling.
Elevated levels of uPA and uPAR in tumor tissues and bodily fluids (such as serum) have been associated with a poor prognosis in several types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers. The rationale is that increased uPA activity can facilitate tumor cell invasion through the degradation of the extracellular matrix, allowing cancer cells to spread to other tissues.
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