Molecular mechanisms of regulation of gene expression at hypoxia

Abstract

Hypoxia is one of powerful inducers of expression of a large group of genes, including genes which control glycolysis, angiogenesis and proliferation supportingcell surviving at low oxygen condition. However, in tumor cells hypoxia was observed at normal oxygen tension condition as a result of its decreased utilization. Moreover, hypoxia is an obligate component of malignant tumor growth and substantially controls glycolysis, angiogenesis and proliferation processes. Data concerning molecular mechanisms of activation of hypoxia inducible transcription factor HIF in cells at hypoxia and in malignant tumors, as well as its role of in the regulation of gene expressions have been analyzed. The mechanisms of interaction of the transcription factor HIF with specific hypoxic regulatory elements in the promoter region of genes activated by hypoxia were examined.

Keywords

• hypoxia
• molecular mechanisms
• regulation of gene expression
• hif
• malignant tumors