fig3

Figure 3. Alpha-enolase acts as a surface plasminogen-binding receptor to mediate cancer cell invasion and metastasis formation. PLG binds to its receptors and is subsequently converted to PLIN by plasminogen activators (e.g., uPA). Cell surface-associated plasmin facilitates degradation of the ECM, allowing tumour cells to invade and metastasise into other tissues. PLG: plasminogen; PLIN: plasmin; ECM: extracellular matrix; uPA: urokinase-type plasminogen activator