V. Stepanova et al., UROKINASE PLASMINOGEN-ACTIVATOR INDUCES SMOOTH-MUSCLE CELL-MIGRATION - KEY ROLE OF GROWTH FACTOR-LIKE DOMAIN, FEBS letters, 414(2), 1997, pp. 471-474
We defined the role of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its g
rowth factor-like domain (GFD) in stimulating smooth muscle cell (SMC)
migration. Recombinant uPA (r-uPA) stimulated migration approximately
3-fold whilst the recombinant uPA mutant containing an altered GFD (r
-uPAmut) was ineffective. Both uPA variants bound to the same high aff
inity receptor in a competitive manner. FGF-2- and PDGF-BB-induced mig
ration was also dependent on uPA, their effects being antagonized by a
ddition of a uPA-neutralizing antibody or the r-uPAmut. Thus r-uPA is
chemotactic for SMC and stimulation of cell migration by PDGF-BB and F
GF-2 is dependent on uPA. The GFD of uPA is essential for its chemotac
tic effects. (C) 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.