α-Enolase, a Multifunctional Protein: Its Role on Pathophysiological Situations

Figure 3

Schematic overview represents α-enolase/plasminogen interaction on the cell surface. α-Enolase enhances plasminogen activation on the cell surface, concentrates plasmin proteolytic activity on the pericellular area and protects plasmin from its inhibitor α2-antiplasmin. Once activated, plasmin can degrade most of the components of the extracellular matrix, directly or indirectly by activating metalloproteases. It is also capable to activate prohormones of progrowing factors. Abbreviations: Plg, plasminogen; Pli, plasmin, α2-AP, α2-antiplasmin; uPA, urokinase-type plasminogen activator, uPAR, urokinase-type plasminogen activator; ECM, extracellular matrix; MMPs, metalloproteases; GF, growing factors.