Role of HIF-1 as a transcription factor involved in embryonic development, cancer progression and apoptosis (review).
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- Published online on: March 1, 2000 https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.5.3.253
- Pages: 253-262
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Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor first identified as being activated by hypoxia but also in normoxic conditions by insulin and IGF-2. It is able to induce the expression of glycolytic genes and hence the ATP production, it also regulates the expression of the angiogenic factor VEGF and stimulates erythropoiesis via EPO production. HIF-1 is a protein necessary for the normal embryonic and cardiovascular system development, but seems to be also involved in cancer progression and apoptosis. Thus, it appears that HIF-1 plays a central role in normal cellular functions and in tissue metabolism but it is also involved in pathological evolutions raising its interest as a therapeutic target. In this review, we summarize the dual role of HIF-1 as a major component of the embryo development, as well as an element of tumor progression and of anoxia-induced apoptosis.