PAI-1

PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, Serpin E1) is the principal physiological inhibitor of tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activators, thereby gating plasmin generation, fibrinolysis and extracellular matrix remodeling. Secreted by endothelial cells, hepatocytes, adipocytes and activated platelets, it circulates both free and stabilized by vitronectin, and is released from platelet alpha-granules at thrombus sites. Expression is induced by TGF-beta, hypoxia and inflammatory cytokines. Elevated plasma PAI-1 accompanies metabolic syndrome, obesity, fibrosis and cardiovascular disease, while complete deficiency causes a mild bleeding tendency. Because active PAI-1 rapidly converts to a latent form, recombinant variants are engineered for stability in drug discovery targeting thrombosis, fibrosis and tumor invasion.