abstract
- Cell migration is a critical step in the angiogenesis cascade that involves proteolysis of the basement membrane and extracellular matrix around existing blood vessels. The urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system has been involved in cellular invasion, angiogenesis and tumor growth. Similar expression of urokinase and its receptor (uPAR) is seen in both retinal and choroidal neovascularization. Significant inhibition of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) has been observed when cell surface associated uPA-uPAR activity is prevented with a specific inhibitor of this proteinase system. As the current treatments of CNV are not optimal, the urokinase-uPAR system appears to be an attractive target for alternative pharamacological therapy for CNV.