![Sample our Bioscience journals, sign in here to start your access, Latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5925/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Bioscience.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
Introduction
HIF-1α, a key player in medical science, holds immense significance in therapeutic approaches. This review delves into its complex dynamics, emphasizing the delicate balance required for its modulation. HIF-1α stands as a cornerstone in medical research, its role extending to therapeutic strategies. This review explores the intricate interplay surrounding HIF-1α, highlighting its critical involvement and the necessity for cautious modulation.
Areas covered
In sickle cell disease (SCD), HIF-1α’s potential to augment fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production and mitigate symptoms is underscored. Furthermore, its role in cancer is examined, particularly its influence on survival in hypoxic tumor microenvironments, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The discussion extends to the intricate relationship between HIF-1α modulation and cancer risks in SCD patients, emphasizing the importance of balancing therapeutic benefits and potential hazards.
Expert opinion
Managing HIF-1α modulation in SCD patients requires a nuanced approach, considering therapeutic potential alongside associated risks, especially in exacerbating cancer risks. An evolutionary perspective adds depth, highlighting adaptations in populations adapted to low-oxygen environments and aligning cancer cell metabolism with primitive cells. The role of HIF-1α as a therapeutic target is discussed within the context of complex cancer biology and metabolism, acknowledging varied responses across diverse cancers influenced by intricate evolutionary adaptations.
Graphical abstract
Article highlights
HIF-1α’s involvement in the pathophysiology of SCD, highlighting its response to chronic hypoxia, impact on vascular function, and potential therapeutic applications in managing this condition.
The intricate relationship between HIF-1α and cancer, focusing on how it influences key processes such as angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance.
It also explores promising therapeutic avenues involving HIF-1α as a target in cancer treatment.
It explores the ancient origins of HIF-1α and its indispensable role as an oxygen-sensing mediator that has evolved across species. It underscores its contributions to survival and adaptation in diverse environments.
The delicate equilibrium HIF-1α maintains between promoting adaptation to hypoxia and potentially exacerbating pathological processes is emphasized. This balance is observed in both its protective role in SCD and its involvement in cancer.
The molecular mechanisms governing HIF-1α activity, shedding light on the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting HIF-1α in the contexts of both SCD and cancer.
Abbreviations
| AGL | = | 4-alpha-glucanotransferase |
| EPO | = | Erythropoietin |
| G1P | = | Glucose-1-phosphate |
| HIF | = | Hypoxia-Inducible Factor |
| HREs | = | Hypoxia response elements |
| LDHA | = | Lactate dehydrogenase A |
| PDK1 | = | Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase |
| PHDs | = | Prolyl hydroxylase enzymes |
| pVHL | = | Von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein |
| ROS | = | Reactive Oxygen Species |
| VEGF | = | Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor |
| MEFs | = | Mouse embryo fibroblasts |
| EMT | = | Epithelial-mesenchymal transition |
| TGFA | = | Transforming Growth Factor Alpha |
| SCD | = | Sickle cell disease |
| HREs | = | Hypoxia-responsive elements |
| HbS | = | Sickle hemoglobin |
| RBC | = | Red Blood Cell |
| G6P | = | Glucose-6-Phosphate |
Declaration of interest
The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
Reviewer disclosures
Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.
Authors contributions
V Singh researched data for the article. V Singh, Saba Ubaid, and Mohammad Kashif contributed substantially to the discussion of the content. V Singh and Saba Ubaid conceived the idea and wrote the article. Mohammad Kashif contributed to writing and making figures and tables. Yusra Laiq, Vipin Kumar and Akshay Kumar Nayak properly edited this manuscript. Yusra Laiq, Vipin Kumar and Akshay Kumar Nayak participated in critical reviewing of this article. The authors declare that all data were generated in-house and no paper mill was used.