Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Induction and Testing of Hypoxia in Cell Culture
Published on: August 12, 2011
Hypoxia-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancers: HIF-1α and Beyond
Shing Yau Tam1, Vincent W C Wu1, Helen K W Law1
1Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Abstract:
Metastasis is the main cause of cancer-related mortality. Although the actual process of metastasis remains largely elusive, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been considered as a major event in metastasis. Besides, hypoxia is common in solid cancers and has been considered as an important factor for adverse treatment outcomes including metastasis. Since EMT and hypoxia potentially share several signaling pathways, many recent studies focused on investigate the issue of hypoxia-induced EMT. Among all potential mediators of hypoxia-induced EMT, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) has been studied extensively. Moreover, there are other potential mediators that may also contribute to the process. This review aims to summarize the recent reports on hypoxia-induced EMT by HIF-1α or other potential mediators and provide insights for further investigations on this issue. Ultimately, better understanding of hypoxia-induced EMT may allow us to develop anti-metastatic strategies and improve treatment outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
The Tumor Microenvironment
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...

