The hypoxic response: huffing and HIFing

The molecular basis for the effect of hypoxia on animal life has gained the interest of biologists. Investigations have led to the recognition of hypoxia as a signal for energy conservation as well as an activator of genes responsible for the expression of the isoforms of glycolytic enzymes, glucose transporters that function better at low oxygen levels and erythropoietin (EPO). The hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), on the other hand, has been identified as the transcription factor which specifically binds to the EPO enhancer. Results of further studies also proved HIF-1 as the global regulator of hypoxic gene expression.