The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is a key step in atherosclerosis and is accompanied by upregulation of the serine protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (UPA). The proteolytic activity of UPA is important for tissue remodelling, but UPA also appears to function in signal transduction - for example, by binding to the receptor CD87. Since growth factors expressed during atherosclerosis promote UPA production, Joachim Kienast and co-workers have investigated whether UPA has a role in growth factor signalling (see p. 1961). The authors show that antibodies against endogenous UPA block stimulation of DNA synthesis and SMC proliferation by PDGF and basic FGF(bFGF). Interestingly, the effects of PDGF/bFGF do not depend on UPA-CD87 interaction but seem to require casein kinase 2 (CK2). The authors thus propose that stimulation of SMC proliferation by PDGF/bFGF involves a UPA/CK2-dependent, CD87-independent pathway. Given that the C-terminal(catalytic) domain of UPA is required both for the mitogenic effects and for any undesirable proteolysis, it might represent a good target for anti-atherogenesis therapies.
Call for papers: Cell and Tissue Polarity
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We are welcoming submissions for our next special issue, which will focus on ‘Cell and tissue polarity’ and will be guest edited by David Bryant. Submission deadline: 15 July.
The Forest of Biologists
We are excited to announce the launch of The Forest of Biologists, a new biodiversity initiative created with support from the Woodland Trust, aiming to counteract nature loss and safeguard some of the most critically endangered ecosystems for future generations. For every Research Article and Review/Commentary article that is published in JEB (and our sister journals Development, Journal of Cell Science, Disease Models & Mechanisms and Biology Open), a native tree is planted in a forest in the UK.
Propose a new Workshop for 2025
Do you have an idea for a Workshop? We are now accepting proposals for our 2025 Biologists Workshops programme. As the scientific organiser, your involvement will be focused on the science. We'll take care of all the logistics. In 2025 we'll continue our efforts to diversify our Workshop programme and will be reserving one of our Workshops for an application from a Global South (GS) country to host an event overseas.
Editorial: Publishing where it matters
Cell Scientists to Watch
As a community-focused journal, Journal of Cell Science is keen to support the next generation of cell biologists. Check out Cell Scientists to Watch, our interview series featuring talented researchers who have recently set up their own labs.
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