SERPINE1 Protein

Background

SERPINE1, also known as Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI1), is a serine protease inhibitor that plays a key role in the regulation of fibrinolysis, the process that breaks down blood clots. It belongs to the serpin superfamily, which is a group of proteins involved in the inhibition of proteases. Specifically, SERPINE1 inhibits tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), both of which are enzymes responsible for converting plasminogen into plasmin, a protease that degrades fibrin, the main component of blood clots. The regulation of PAI-1 levels is crucial for maintaining the balance between clot formation and breakdown in the body. Abnormally high levels of PAI-1 are associated with thrombotic conditions, whereas deficiencies can lead to excessive bleeding.