Fig. 6: A schematic model of uPAR dimerization on the cell surface.
From: Crystal structure and cellular functions of uPAR dimer
The unbound uPAR is in dynamic equilibrium between the close (left) and open (middle) conformations. The presence of ligand uPA or vitronectin stabilizes the close conformation (left). A key feature in the open conformation is that uPAR forms a large expanded ring (residues 62–92, colored in magenta). When concentrated on the lipid-raft area of the cell surface, the large expanded ring can capture one β-hairpin loop of another uPAR to form a dimer (right panel) or even oligomer.
