Cancer urokinase-plasminogen activator system

Andreasen PA, Kjoller L, Christensen L, et al. The Urokinase-type plasminogen activator system in cancer metastasis a review. Int J Cancer 1997 72 ... 

The hypothesis that stress can modulate MMP expression is also supported by studies in mice. Using social isolation as a stressor, the mRNA levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, matrix-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-MMP), and urokinase-type plasminogen activator were higher in the tumor and liver tissues of the isolated mice than in control mice.91 Furthermore, a recent study has shown that restraint stress causes an increase in expression of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, another key player in the plas-minogen/plasmin enzyme system in mice.92 As these enzymes have been described to have functions besides their role in ECM remodeling,93 studies on stress-related effects on MMP/TIMP balance have implications in the relationship between stress and cancer initiation and progression.. 

Harbeck N, Alt U, Berger U et al (2001) Prognostic impact of proteolytic factors (urokinase-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and cathepsins B, D, and L) in primary breast cancer reflects effects of adjuvant systemic therapy. Clin Cancer Res 7 2757-2764... 

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