A uPAR-targeting protein or peptide is diagnostically or therapeutically labeled
and used in methods of diagnosis of therapy. The labeled protein or peptide preferably
has the following properties: it comprises at least 38 amino acid residues, including
residues 13-30 of the uPAR-binding site of uPA; competes with labeled DFP-uPA for
binding to a cell or molecule that has a binding site for uPA, and has an IC50
value of about 10 nM or less; and is not a fusion protein wherein the uPA peptide
is fused to another non-uPA protein or peptide. Preferred molecules are uPA, scuPA,
tcuPA, an N-terminal fragment of uPA, residues 1-135, an N-terminal fragment of
uPA, residues 1-143, an N-terminal fragment of uPA, residues 1-43; or an N-terminal
fragment of uPA, residues 4-43. Detectable labels include a radionuclide, a PET-imageable
agent, an MRI-imageable agent, a fluorescer, a fluorogen, a chromophore, a chromogen,
a phosphorescer, a chemiluminescer or a bioluminescer. The disclosed methods are
used to inhibit cell migration, cell invasion, cell proliferation or angiogenesis,
or to induce apoptosis, preferably in the treatment of a subject having a disease
or condition associated with undesired cell migration, invasion, proliferation
or angiogenesis.
