Regulation of the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha): a breath of fresh air in hypoxia research

Angiogenesis, a process that leads to the formation of new blood vessels, from a existing network of vessels is tightly regulated. The understanding of mechanisms that control its activity should lead to progress in the treatment of diseases such as cancer and ischemic disorders. In the case of cancer, the rapid growth of tumor cells results in a decrease in the concentration of oxygen, or hypoxia, in the center of the tumor. This stress is the signal that induces angiogenesis. Blood vessels bring nutrients and oxygen to the tumor, allowing it to grow and to metastase. The Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, HIF-1, plays a crucial role in this process. HIF-1 is a heterodimer composed of two subunits, alpha and beta. Under hypoxic conditions, HIF-1alpha is stabilized and enters the nucleus, to form a dimer with HIF-1beta, where it induces the expression of its target genes. Among these genes is vegf (vascular endothelial growth factor), a key player in blood vessel formation. The protein HIF-1alpha is subjected to post-translational modifications that are the molecular basis of the hypoxic response although the mechanisms are not completely understood. In this review, we will discuss in particular the multiple post-translational modifications regulating HIF-1alpha activity.