Urokinase (peptidolytic) (EC 3.4.21.73) is a serine protease, an inactive form (zymogen) of the serine protease plasminogen. Activation of plasmin triggers a proteolytic cascade reaction, which in turn participates in thrombolysis or extracellular matrix degradation, implicated in vascular disease and cancer-related research.
Urokinase peptidolytic(uPA) can increase the expression of uPAR protein and mRNA levels in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)[1].
[1]. Nunzia Montuori, et al. Urokinase-mediated posttranscriptional regulation of urokinase-receptor expression in non small cell lung carcinoma. Int J Cancer. 2003 Jun 20;105(3):353-60