Predominant role of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (Hif)-1alpha versus Hif-2alpha in regulation of the transcriptional response to hypoxia

Cancer Res. 2003 Oct 1;63(19):6130-4.

Abstract

Tumor hypoxia induces the up-regulation of a gene program associated with angiogenesis, glycolysis, adaptation to pH, and apoptosis via the hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (Hifs) 1 and 2. Disruption of this pathway has been proposed as a cancer therapy. Here, we use short interfering RNAs to compare specific inactivation of Hif-1alpha or Hif-2alpha and show markedly different cell type-specific effects on gene expression and cell migration. Remarkably, among a panel of hypoxia-inducible genes, responses were critically dependent on Hif-1 alpha but not Hif-2 alpha in both endothelial and breast cancer cells but critically dependent on Hif-2 alpha in renal carcinoma cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / pathology
  • Cell Hypoxia / genetics
  • Cell Hypoxia / physiology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Movement / physiology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
  • Kidney Neoplasms / genetics
  • Kidney Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Trans-Activators / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Trans-Activators / biosynthesis
  • Trans-Activators / genetics
  • Trans-Activators / physiology*
  • Transcription Factors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Transcription Factors / biosynthesis
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*
  • Transcriptional Activation / genetics
  • Transcriptional Activation / physiology*
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • HIF1A protein, human
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors
  • endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1