Clathrin and LRP-1-Independent Constitutive Endocytosis and Recycling of uPAR
2008

Constitutive Endocytosis and Recycling of uPAR

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Katia Cortese, Macarena Sahores, Chris D. Madsen, Carlo Tacchetti, Francesco Blasi

Primary Institution: Università di Genova, Italy; Università Vita Salute San Raffaele, Italy

Hypothesis

The study investigates whether uPAR can internalize and recycle through a pathway independent of LRP-1 and clathrin.

Conclusion

The study concludes that uPAR can be constitutively internalized and recycled through a macropinocytic mechanism that does not require LRP-1 or clathrin.

Supporting Evidence

  • uPAR is found in early and late endosomal compartments in the presence of endogenous ligands.
  • Constitutive uPAR endocytosis is independent of LRP-1 and clathrin.
  • uPAR endocytosis is sensitive to amiloride, indicating a macropinocytic mechanism.
  • uPAR is rapidly recycled back to the cell surface after internalization.

Takeaway

uPAR, a protein involved in cancer, can be taken into cells and sent back to the surface without needing its usual partners, which is a bit like a special delivery system that works on its own.

Methodology

The study utilized confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, and biochemical assays to analyze uPAR endocytosis in two cell lines.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on two specific cell lines, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003730

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