Hypoxia-regulated target genes implicated in tumor metastasis

J Biomed Sci. 2012 Dec 14;19(1):102. doi: 10.1186/1423-0127-19-102.

Abstract

Hypoxia is an important microenvironmental factor that induces cancer metastasis. Hypoxia/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) regulates many important steps of the metastatic processes, especially epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that is one of the crucial mechanisms to cause early stage of tumor metastasis. To have a better understanding of the mechanism of hypoxia-regulated metastasis, various hypoxia/HIF-1α-regulated target genes are categorized into different classes including transcription factors, histone modifiers, enzymes, receptors, kinases, small GTPases, transporters, adhesion molecules, surface molecules, membrane proteins, and microRNAs. Different roles of these target genes are described with regards to their relationship to hypoxia-induced metastasis. We hope that this review will provide a framework for further exploration of hypoxia/HIF-1α-regulated target genes and a comprehensive view of the metastatic picture induced by hypoxia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Hypoxia / genetics*
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit* / genetics
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit* / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription Factors* / genetics
  • Transcription Factors* / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
  • MicroRNAs
  • Transcription Factors