Proteins of plasminogen/plasmin system: multifaceted roles in health and disease

The plasminogen/plasmin (Pg/Pm) system is a cornerstone of various biological processes, encompassing roles in fibrinolysis, angiogenesis, inflammation, wound healing, and tumor biology. This review consolidates knowledge on the multifaceted functions of the Pg/Pm system proteins in health and disease, highlighting historical developments, recent advancements, and the contributions of the Department of Enzyme Chemistry and Biochemistry to the understanding of their molecular mechanisms of function. We have explored the regulation of fibrinolysis and its intricate interplay with proteins of the Pg/Pm system, delving into their pivotal role in hemostatic balance. Reciprocal interactions between Pg/Pm system proteins and platelets underscore their contribution to thrombosis, fibrinolysis, inflammation, and vascular remodeling. In oncology, Pg/Pm system proteins orchestrate tumor growth and metastasis through their involvement in extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and cancer cell survival. However, angiostatins – proteolyti­cally-derived fragments of Pg/Pm – emerge as multifunctional polypeptides, which are known to affect cell migration, angiogenesis, and inflammation, sup