Pathophysiological response to hypoxia - from the molecular mechanisms of malady to drug discovery:hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)-active cells as a target for cancer therapy

J Pharmacol Sci. 2011;115(4):440-5. doi: 10.1254/jphs.10r20fm. Epub 2011 Mar 16.

Abstract

The microenvironment of solid tumors is characterized by low pO(2) that is well below physiological levels. Intratumoral hypoxia is a major factor contributing to cancer progression and is exacerbated as a result of oxygen consumption by rapidly proliferating tumor cells near blood vessels, poor lymphatic drainage resulting in high interstitial pressure, and irregular blood supply through immature tumor vasculature. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is the main transcription factor that regulates cellular responses to hypoxia. Cellular changes induced by HIF-1 are extremely important targets for cancer therapy. Therefore, targeting strategies to counteract HIF-1-active cells are essential for cancer therapy. In this study, we introduce a novel strategy for targeting HIF-1-active cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytostatic Agents / pharmacology
  • Cytostatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Discovery / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / physiopathology*
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Models, Biological
  • Molecular Imaging / methods
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Prodrugs / pharmacology
  • Transplantation, Heterologous
  • Tumor Microenvironment / drug effects*

Substances

  • Cytostatic Agents
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1
  • Prodrugs