title: The receptor for urokinase-type plasminogen activator is expressed during mouse spermatogenesis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Morphology, University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland. Hongming.Zhou@medecine.unige.ch
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Vassalli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D010960:Plasminogen Activators / Q000172:deficiency / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000172:deficiency / Q000378:metabolism*; D055293:Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator; D013087:Spermatids / Q000378:metabolism; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C524899:Plaur protein, mouse; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D055293:Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator; D010960:Plasminogen Activators