Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and the kidney.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a serine protease inhibitor that was isolated 20 years ago. First recognized as an inhibitor of intravascular fibrinolysis, it is now evident that PAI-1 is a multifunctional protein with actions that may be dependent on or independent of its protease inhibitory effects. The latter often involve interactions between PAI-1 and vitronectin or the urokinase receptor. The protease-inhibitory actions of PAI-1 extend beyond fibrinolysis and include extracellular matrix turnover and activation of several proenzymes and latent growth factors. PAI-1 has been implicated in several renal pathogenetic processes, including thrombotic microangiopathies and proliferative and/or crescentic glomerulopathies. Most recently, it has become clear that PAI-1 also plays a pivotal role in progressive renal disease, both glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. An active area of present research interest, untold stories are likely to be uncovered soon.
Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA. aeddy@chmc.org
Allison A
AA
Eddy
D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000502:physiology*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017395:Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 / Q000235:genetics*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*
D017395:Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1