The Perspective of Using Flow Cytometry for Unpuzzling Hypoxia-Inducible Factors Signalling

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are transcription factors that are responsible for adapting to the changes in oxygen levels in the cellular environment. HIF activity determines the expression of cellular proteins that control the development and physiology of the cells and pathophysiology of a disease. Understanding the role of specific HIF (HIF-1-3) in cellular function is essential for development of the HIF-targeted therapies. In this review, we have discussed the use of flow cytometry in analysing HIF function in cells. Proper understanding of HIF-signalling will help to design pharmacological interventions HIF-mediated therapy. We have discussed the role of HIF-signalling in various diseases such as cancer, renal and liver diseases, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, diabetes and diabetic complications, psoriasis, and wound healing. We have also discussed protocols that help to decipher the role of HIFs in these diseases that would eventually help to design promising therapies.