The silencing approach of the hypoxia-signaling pathway

Gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) is ushering biological research into a new age, providing an extremely powerful tool for the analysis of loss-of-function phenotypes in vertebrates where alternative approaches are very often arduous or even ineffective. In this review, we will highlight the different RNAi approaches that have been undertaken to evaluate the functional role of several components of the hypoxia-signaling cascade, particularly the various oxygen sensors that control the expression and activity of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Indeed, this transcription factor lies at the heart of the pathway triggered in response to low O(2) availability to assure O(2) homeostasis, which is crucial for survival.