### SERPINA7 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: SERPINA7  
**Protein Function**: SERPINA7 encodes the thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), which is the major carrier for thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. Unlike other serpins, TBG does not have protease inhibition capabilities.

#### 1. Associated Genes
While SERPINA7 is primarily linked to thyroid hormone transport, it may be associated with other genes involved in the regulation and metabolism of thyroid hormones. Notable genes include:
- **TTR (Transthyretin)**: Another protein involved in binding thyroid hormones that can functionally complement TBG.
- **ALB (Albumin)**: A major plasma protein that can carry thyroid hormones but is not as specialized as TBG.
- **THRB (Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta)**: Part of the signaling pathway involving thyroid hormones where binding would influence gene expression.

#### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
There are several observations connecting SERPINA7 to aging and diseases related to thyroid function:
- **Thyroid Dysfunction**: Thyroid hormone levels, including TBG levels, are known to alter with age. Changes in thyroid hormone transport can influence metabolic rates, which are associated with aging.
- **Hypothyroidism**: Elderly individuals with changes in SERPINA7 may experience altered TBG levels, potentially exacerbating conditions such as hypothyroidism, which is more prevalent in older populations.
- **Metabolic Syndromes**: Thyroid hormones play a role in metabolism, and any dysfunction associated with TBG can contribute to age-related metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes.

#### 3. Drug Interactions
While specific drugs targeting SERPINA7 or TBG are limited, there are some classes of drugs that may influence thyroid hormone levels and thereby indirectly affect TBG. These include:
- **Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapies**: Such as levothyroxine (Synthroid) which can affect serum levels of TBG by altering thyroid hormone concentration.
- **Antithyroid Medications**: Such as methimazole or propylthiouracil, used in hyperthyroidism, can impact the synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones and subsequently TBG levels.
- **Estrogens**: Oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapies can increase TBG levels, affecting the bioavailability of thyroid hormones in the serum.

#### 4. Biological Processes and Pathways
SERPINA7 is involved in several important pathways and biological processes, including:
- **Thyroid hormone transport**: Critical for the proper distribution of thyroid hormones throughout the body.
- **Hormone binding**: Facilitates the binding and stabilization of thyroid hormones in circulation, thereby impacting hormone delivery to tissues.
- **Nutrient metabolism regulation**: Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in metabolic homeostasis and energy regulation.
- **Negative Regulation of Hormone Biosynthesis**: Indirectly affects thyroid hormone synthesis through feedback mechanisms in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.

Overall, SERPINA7 is critical for thyroid hormone regulation, and its function and dysregulation can have significant implications on health throughout the aging process.