Recombinant Proteins
Product List
UPK2 Human
Uroplakin 2 Human Recombinant
UPK2 is fused to a 23 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
UPK3A Human
Uroplakin 3A Human Recombinant
UPK3A is fused to a 25 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Introduction
Uroplakins are a family of membrane-spanning proteins highly specific to the urothelium. There are four uroplakin proteins in humans, encoded by the UPK genes: UPK1A, UPK1B, UPK2, and UPK3 . These proteins span the apical membrane of umbrella cells of the urothelium, where they associate into urothelial plaques .
Key Biological Properties: Uroplakins are integral to the structure and function of the urothelial barrier. They form plaques on the apical surface of urothelial umbrella cells, contributing to the permeability barrier that prevents the passage of urine across the urothelium .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: Uroplakins are predominantly expressed in the urothelium, particularly in the renal pelvis, ureters, and bladder . Their expression is highly specific to the urothelial cells, making them valuable markers for urothelial differentiation .
Primary Biological Functions: Uroplakins play a crucial role in maintaining the permeability barrier of the urothelium, preventing the passage of urine and solutes . They also contribute to the structural integrity of the urothelial cells and are involved in the developmental processes such as nephrogenesis .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: Uroplakins can act as docking sites for bacteria, particularly uropathogenic Escherichia coli, which can lead to urinary tract infections . This interaction is critical for the initial stages of bacterial invasion and host defense mechanisms .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Uroplakins interact with various molecules and cells to form urothelial plaques. These plaques are composed of uroplakin heterodimers, such as UPIa/II and UPIb/III, which are essential for plaque assembly and the maintenance of the urothelial barrier .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Uroplakins bind to bacterial adhesins, such as the FimH adhesin of uropathogenic Escherichia coli, facilitating bacterial attachment and invasion . This binding triggers downstream signaling cascades that mediate urothelial responses to bacterial infection .
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of uroplakins is tightly regulated at the transcriptional level. Specific transcription factors and regulatory elements control the expression of UPK genes, ensuring their precise expression in urothelial cells .
Post-Translational Modifications: Uroplakins undergo various post-translational modifications, including glycosylation, which are critical for their proper folding, stability, and function . These modifications also play a role in the interaction of uroplakins with other molecules and pathogens .
Biomedical Research: Uroplakins are valuable markers for studying urothelial differentiation and the pathogenesis of urothelial diseases . They are used in research to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying urinary tract infections and bladder cancer .
Diagnostic Tools: Due to their specific expression in the urothelium, uroplakins serve as diagnostic markers for urothelial carcinoma and other urothelial lesions . Immunohistochemical staining for uroplakins is commonly used to identify and differentiate urothelial malignancies .
Therapeutic Strategies: Targeting uroplakin interactions with bacterial adhesins offers potential therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating urinary tract infections . Additionally, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of uroplakin expression may lead to novel treatments for urothelial diseases .
Development to Aging and Disease: Uroplakins play a critical role throughout the life cycle, from development to aging. During development, they are involved in nephrogenesis and the formation of the urothelial barrier . In aging and disease, alterations in uroplakin expression and function can contribute to various urothelial disorders, including urinary tract infections and bladder cancer .
