Hypoxia Inducible Factor Pathway (HIF Pathway)

The Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) pathway is a central cellular mechanism that enables adaptation to low oxygen (hypoxic) environments. HIFs are transcription factors that sense and respond to changes in cellular oxygen levels, orchestrating the expression of genes involved in processes such as angiogenesis, erythropoiesis, metabolism, and cell survival. The pathway's role in cancer progression has made it an attractive therapeutic target. Inhibitors targeting either PHDs or downstream effectors are being developed for diseases like anemia associated with chronic kidney disease—and potentially cancer therapy through antiangiogenic strategies. Conversely, activating this pathway pharmacologically may benefit ischemic diseases.

Other names

HIF Signaling PathwayHypoxia Response Pathway

PHD inhibitors stabilize HIF-α, increasing transcription of target genes. VEGF inhibitors block angiogenesis.