urokinase

[yoor-uh-kahy-neys, -neyz]

noun

Biochemistry, Pharmacology.

1. an enzyme, present in the blood and urine of mammals, that activates plasminogen and is used medicinally to dissolve blood clots.

Word History and Origins

Origin of urokinase¹

First recorded in 1955–60; uro- ¹ + kinase

Example Sentences

In one of the first experiments, they hoped to use the strategy to instruct cells to make a protein called the urokinase receptor.

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Moreover, might targeting certain PA proteins, such as tissue PA or urokinase PA, be an effective approach by which to combat metastasis, especially given that these are already targets of interest for anticancer therapy?

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