Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 and cancer pathogenesis

Abstract Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) is a transcriptional activator that mediates adaptive responses to hypoxia. HIF‐1 activity is increased in the majority of human cancers as a result of genetic alterations and intratumoral hypoxia. HIF‐1 activates the transcription of genes that increase O 2 availability by stimulating angiogenesis or that reprogram cellular metabolism to adapt to reduced O 2 availability. Proof of principle studies in mouse models suggests that inhibition of HIF‐1 activity may have therapeutic effects, especially in combination with other anticancer drugs. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(9): 591–597, 2008