Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway (HIF pathway)

The tissue hypoxia response pathways encompass a group of highly conserved cellular mechanisms that detect and respond to low oxygen availability. Central to this process are hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which are transcription factor complexes that regulate the expression of hundreds of genes involved in adaptation to hypoxia, including those governing angiogenesis, metabolism, cell survival, and immune regulation. The response involves complex signaling networks (HIF pathway, unfolded protein response, mTOR signaling, and others) that alter cell behavior in physiological and pathological contexts, such as development, cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular, and pulmonary diseases. Modulation of these pathways—particularly through selective inhibition or activation of components like HIF-1α or HIF-2α—is a current therapeutic strategy in conditions ranging from anemia to cancer

Other names

Hypoxic response pathwayCellular hypoxia signalingOxygen sensing pathwayHIF signaling pathway

Inhibition of HIF prolyl hydroxylases (preventing HIF degradation, increasing HIF activity); Inhibition of HIF-2α dimerization (reducing HIF-2-mediated gene transcription)