Combination analysis of activator protein-1 family members, Sp1 and an activator protein-2alpha-related factor binding to different regions of the urokinase receptor gene in resected colorectal cancers.

Purpose: Studies on the transactivation of genes via promoter elements have mostly been done on cell lines rather than resected tissues. This, however, is essential to address an in vivo or clinical relevance. We have previously shown tumor-specific binding of Sp1 and an activator protein (AP)-2-related factor to promoter region -152/-135 of the metastasis-related u-PAR gene in 60% of in vivo-resected cancer tissues.