HIF1A
Description
The HIF1A (hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 14.
HIF1A is a subunit of the heterodimeric transcription factor HIF-1, encoded by the HIF1A gene. This protein is crucial for cellular responses to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) and its dysregulation is linked to cancer development and other disease processes. HIF1A contains a basic helix-loop-helix domain, two PAS domains, and a PAC domain. It also has nuclear localization signals, two transactivating domains, and an inhibitory domain. There are three HIF1A isoforms, with isoform 1 being the most studied. Its expression levels can be measured using antibodies against HIF-1-alpha.
HIF1A acts as a master regulator in the cellular response to low oxygen conditions (hypoxia). It activates the transcription of over 40 genes, including those involved in oxygen delivery (erythropoietin) and metabolic adaptation (glucose transporters, glycolytic enzymes). HIF1A plays a crucial role in embryonic blood vessel development, tumor angiogenesis, and the pathophysiology of ischemic diseases. It forms a heterodimer with ARNT, binding to specific DNA sequences within the promoters of target genes, and requires co-activators such as CREBBP and EP300 for full activation. Interactions with NCOA1 and NCOA2 enhance its activity. Redox regulatory protein APEX1 appears to activate HIF1A's CTAD domain and further strengthens activation by NCOA1 and CREBBP. HIF1A is also involved in the transport of mitochondria within neurons under hypoxic conditions.
HIF1A is also known as HIF-1-alpha, HIF-1A, HIF-1alpha, HIF1, HIF1-ALPHA, MOP1, PASD8, bHLHe78.
