Tumor-specific transcription factor binding to an activator protein-2/Sp1 element of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor promoter in a first large series of resected gastrointestinal cancers.

Abstract

This is the first study to show the tumor-specific binding of trans-activators to the u-PAR promoter region (-152/-135) biochemically in a large series of resected tumors. For the subpopulation of approximately 60% of patients with tumor-restricted u-PAR-transactivation, a molecular targeting of this region or its activating pathways should be pursued as a new antimetastasis therapy approach.