Hypoxia and Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1α:Master Regulators of Tumor Metastasis

Hypoxia is a common condition found in a wide range of solid tumors and is often associated with poor prognosis.As the function submit of HIF,HIF-1αundergo oxygen-dependent regulation,and its overexpression is frequently associated with metastasis and poor clinical outcomes.Recent studies show that each step of the tumor metastasis process,from the initial epithelial-mesenchymal transition to the ultimate organotropic colonization,can potentially be regulated by hypoxia,suggesting a master regulator role of hypoxia and HIFs in tumor metastasis.Multiple approaches to targeting hypoxia and HIFs,including HIF inhibitors,hypoxia-activated bioreductive prodrugs,and gene therapies may become effective treatments to prevent or reduce tumor metastasis.