SnapShot: Hypoxia-Inducible Factors

Molecular oxygen (O2) is a key substrate for mitochondrial ATP production and numerous intracellular biochemical reactions. The maintenance of O2 homeostasis is therefore essential for the survival of most species. During O2 deprivation, mammalian cells rely on multiple adaptations mediated by the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), mTOR, autophagy, and the ER stress response. This SnapShot will summarize recent reports expanding our current understanding of HIF-dependent adaptations to low O2 levels.