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Usage Information

The role of suPAR and related proteins in kidney, heart diseases, and diabetes
Jochen Reiser, Salim S. Hayek, Sanja Sever
Jochen Reiser, Salim S. Hayek, Sanja Sever
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Review Cardiology Immunology Nephrology

The role of suPAR and related proteins in kidney, heart diseases, and diabetes

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Abstract

The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is a membrane-bound protein found on the surface of immune cells. Through the action of proteases, uPAR is cleaved to produce several circulating proteins in the bloodstream, including the soluble form suPAR and the fragments D1 and D2D3. Initially studied in the context of infectious diseases and cancer, recent research has revealed roles for suPAR and its related proteins as mediators linking innate immunity to the pathogenesis of kidney and cardiovascular diseases, as well as insulin-dependent diabetes. While these proteins have long been recognized as prognostic biomarkers, growing clinical, experimental, and genetic evidence highlights their active involvement in the onset and progression of these diverse conditions. This Review examines suPAR’s evolution from its discovery as a modulator of innate immunity to its current status as a key driver in chronic kidney and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, we explore the molecular mechanisms through which suPAR and D2D3 contribute to multiorgan damage, emphasizing emerging opportunities for therapeutic interventions across interconnected organ systems.

Authors

Jochen Reiser, Salim S. Hayek, Sanja Sever

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Usage data is cumulative from January 2026 through July 2026.

Usage JCI PMC
Text version 4,407 508
PDF 1,167 163
Figure 788 0
Citation downloads 223 0
Totals 6,585 671
Total Views 7,256

Usage information is collected from two different sources: this site (JCI) and Pubmed Central (PMC). JCI information (compiled daily) shows human readership based on methods we employ to screen out robotic usage. PMC information (aggregated monthly) is also similarly screened of robotic usage.

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ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)

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