SERPINA5 inhibits breast cancer growth and angiogenesis by targeting the uPA-uPAR axis

Background The purpose of this study was to look into the possible processes that underlie angiogenesis in breast cancer (BC). Methods The Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) assays, colony formation assays, Transwell assays, and tube formation assays were used to assess the impact of SERPINA5 on the migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis of BC cells. A mouse xenograft tumor model was employed to determine whether SERPINA5 inhibited tumor growth. Results We found that SERPINA5 expression was absent in BC tissues, and low levels of SERPINA5 were strongly associated with poor patient prognosis. Additionally, SERPINA5 inhibited abnormal proliferation of BC both in vitro and in vivo, while also reducing cell migration and invasion capabilities. Furthermore, SERPINA5 demonstrated the ability to inhibit angiogenesis. Mechanistically, by interfering with the interaction between uPAR and uPA, SERPINA5 reduced the expression of the uPA-uPAR complex and so exercised its anti-angiogenic effects. Conclusion SERPINA5 exhibits anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic properties, making it a potential target for breast cancer treatment.