Regulation of HIF function in malignant brain tumours by metabolic parameters

High proliferating tumors frequently outstrip their vascular supply leading to a tumor microenvironment characterized by low PO2, low glucose levels and an acidic pH. Regions of low PO2 are indeed common findings in malignant tumors being associated with increased frequency of tumor invasion and metastasis. The ability to initiate homeostatic responses and adapt to hypoxia represents an important and crucial aspect in solid tumor growth. The hypoxia inducible transcription factor HIF-1a and HIF-2a act as key regulators of hypoxia-induced gene expression. We were interested to what extent other metabolic paramete…