The receptor for urokinase-type plasminogen activator is expressed during mouse spermatogenesis.

Zhou H; Vassalli JD

doi:10.1016/s0014-5793(97)00861-2

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Journal article

The receptor for urokinase-type plasminogen activator is expressed during mouse spermatogenesis.

Zhou H Department of Morphology, University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland. Hongming.Zhou@medecine.unige.ch
Vassalli JD

1997-08-11

Published in:

FEBS letters. - 1997

Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator

English Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) binds to a plasma membrane receptor (uPAR) that localizes plasmin generation to the cell environment. Mouse spermatozoa have surface-bound uPA, which appears to be acquired from genital tract secretions at ejaculation. We determined the presence of uPAR mRNA in spermatogenic cells and their uPA-binding activity. Northern blot and in situ hybridization demonstrated the presence of uPAR mRNA in germ cells. Binding of uPA, but not of a mutant enzyme lacking the receptor-binding domain, indicated the presence of uPAR on spermatids and spermatozoa. The uPAR and/or receptor-bound uPA may be involved in spermatogenesis, spermatozoa maturation or fertilization.

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