Modulating hypoxia inducible factor-1 by nanomaterials for effective cancer therapy

Hypoxia, which is induced by abnormal tumor growth when it outstrips its oxygen supply, is a major character of cancer. The reaction of cells against hypoxia is mainly concentrated on the hypoxia-induced transcription factors (HIFs), especially HIF-1, which remain stabilized during hypoxia. Additionally, the oxygen-independent mechanism of regulating HIF-1 acts a vital part in different stages of tumor progression as well as chemo-/radio-/PDT resistance, resulting in poor curative effects and prognosis. In this review, we will outline the up-to-date information about how HIF-1 interferes with tumor metastasis and therapy resistance, followed by a detailed introduction of motivating techniques based on various nanomaterials to interfere with HIF signaling for effective cancer therapy. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.