Natural gene change that may protect heart health with aging
Heterozygous SERPINE1 Deficiency Confers Durable Cardiovascular Fitness in Humans
Researchers are looking at whether a rare change in the SERPINE1 gene that lowers a protein called PAI‑1 helps older adults keep their hearts and blood vessels healthier as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11253310 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project follows people who carry a rare, natural loss-of-function change in the SERPINE1 gene and compares their heart, blood vessel, and aging-related health measures with others. Participants may be asked to provide blood samples, share health records, and undergo noninvasive tests such as vascular stiffness and heart function measurements while researchers also study lab and animal models to understand how PAI‑1 works. A distinctive part of the work looks at a multi-generation Old Order Amish community where this change exists naturally. The team aims to connect these human observations with laboratory studies to guide possible future treatments that target PAI‑1.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults (for example 65+) or people willing to give blood and undergo noninvasive heart and vascular tests, especially those with or at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Not a fit: Younger people, those unwilling to provide samples or travel for testing, or individuals without the SERPINE1 change are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments that lower PAI‑1 to help preserve cardiovascular health and reduce some age-related organ problems.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies show protective effects from lowering PAI‑1 and human observations in an Amish family support potential benefit, but clinical treatments based on this approach have not yet been proven in people.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vaughan, Douglas E — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Vaughan, Douglas E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.