HIF1 alpha (Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-alpha)

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HIF1 (hypoxia-inducible factor 1), a heterodimeric transcription factor complex central to cellular response to hypoxia, consists of two subunits (HIF-1 alpha and HIF-1 beta) which are basic helix-loop-helix proteins of the PAS (Per, ARNT, Sim) family. Expression of HIF-1 alpha protein is regulated by cellular oxygen level alterations as well as in oxygen-independent manner via different cytokines (through the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway), growth factors, oncogenic activation, or loss of tumor suppressor function etc. In normoxic cells, HIF-1 alpha is proline hydroxylated leading to a conformational change that promotes its binding to the VLH (von Hippel Lindau) protein E3 ligase complex; ubiquitination and followed by rapid proteasomal degradation. Hypoxia as well as chemical hydroxylase inhibitors (desferrioxamine, cobalt etc.) inhibit HIF-1 alpha degradation and lead to its accumulation in the cells, whereas, contrastingly, HIF-1 beta/ARNT (AhR nuclear translocator) remains stable under both conditions. Besides their critical role in hypoxic response, HIF1s regulates the transcription of genes responsible for angiogenesis, erythropoiesis/iron-metabolism, glucose metabolism, cell proliferation/survival, adipogenesis, carotid body formation, B lymphocyte development and immune reactions.