Plasmin Induces Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation1,2

Plasmin induces smooth muscle cell proliferation. Plasmin induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation occurs through two pathways: one which is Gαi mediated/PI3-K dependent and a second which is Gαq mediated/PI3K independent. p38MAPK appears not to be involved in plasmin-mediated cell proliferation. This pattern of activation is distinct from that seen with urokinase plasminogen activator.