This gene encodes a secreted serine protease that converts plasminogen to plasmin. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate A and B polypeptide chains. These chains associate via a single disulfide bond to form the catalytically inactive high molecular weight urokinase-type plasminogen activator (HMW-uPA). HMW-uPA can be further processed into the catalytically active low molecular weight urokinase-type plasminogen activator (LMW-uPA). This low molecular weight form does not bind to the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor. Mutations in this gene may be associated with Quebec platelet disorder and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants, at least one of which encodes an isoform that is proteolytically processed. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2016],catalytic activity:Specific cleavage of Arg-|-Val bond in plasminogen to form plasmin.,function:Specifically cleave the zymogen plasminogen to form the active enzyme plasmin.,online information:Urokinase entry,pharmaceutical:Available under the name Abbokinase (Abbott). Used in Pulmonary Embolism (PE) to initiates fibrinolysis. Clinically used for therapy of thrombolytic disorders.,PTM:Phosphorylation of Ser-158 and Ser-323 abolishes proadhesive ability but does not interfere with receptor binding.,similarity:Belongs to the peptidase S1 family.,similarity:Contains 1 EGF-like domain.,similarity:Contains 1 kringle domain.,similarity:Contains 1 peptidase S1 domain.,subunit:Found in high and low molecular mass forms. Each consists of two chains, A and B. The high molecular mass form contains a long chain A which is cleaved to yield a short chain A. Binds LRP1B; binding is followed by internalization and degradation. Interacts with MRC2. Interacts with PLAUR.,tissue specificity:Expressed in the prostate gland and prostate cancers.,