Hypoxia inducible factor-2alpha in cancer.

• Poorly oxygenated ( hypoxic) tumors are frequently more aggressive compared to corresponding tumors that are better oxygenated. Adaptation to hypoxia is primarily mediated by two closely related hypoxia inducible transcription factor complexes, HIF-1 and HIF-2, which become stabilized and activated at low oxygen levels. Whether HIF-1 and HIF-2 have different roles in tumorigenesis is an open question and an issue we discuss. With focus on HIF-2, we summarize reported phenotypical changes of HIF genetic models and HIF expression patterns during normal development, in adult non - malignant tissues and in tumors. We further address the much - discussed subject of target gene preferences between HIF-1 and HIF-2, given that both transcription factors bind to the same DNA motif. Finally, we also discuss the observations that the oxygen - sensitive HIF-2 alpha subunit is accumulated and active under non - hypoxic conditions as exemplified by HIF-2 alpha expressing tumor macrophages and neuroblastoma cells located in seemingly well - vascularized tumor regions and how this phenomenon is related to tumor aggressiveness.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Cellbiologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Cell Biology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

target genes

neuroblastoma

regulation

development

adaptation

hypoxia

cancer

hypoxia-inducible factor

Publikations- och innehållstyp

art (ämneskategori)

ref (ämneskategori)