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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Induction and Testing of Hypoxia in Cell Culture
Published on: August 12, 2011
Reactive oxygen species and HIF-1 signalling in cancer
Alex Galanis1, Aglaia Pappa, Antonis Giannakakis
1Laboratory of Gene Expression, Molecular Diagnosis and Modern Therapeutics, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Dimitras 19, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
Abstract:
The heterodimeric transcription factor HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor 1) represents the key mediator of hypoxia response. HIF-1 controls numerous genes of pivotal importance for cellular metabolism, angiogenesis, cell cycle regulation and inhibition of apoptosis. HIF-1 overexpression and enhanced transcriptional activity are linked to tumour initiation and progression. Malfunction of the HIF-1 signalling network has been associated with breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), also observed in such tumours, have been implicated in HIF-1 signalling. Deciphering the role of ROS in cancer onset and their involvement in signalling networks should prove invaluable for the design of novel anticancer therapeutics.
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