C. elegans EGL-9 and Mammalian Homologs Define a Family of Dioxygenases that Regulate HIF by Prolyl Hydroxylation

What is it about?

Provides an explanation of the mechanism by which oxygen is sensed by cells through the action of the specific oxygen dependent hydroxylase molecules (PHD and Egl-9). These enzymes catalyse prolyl hydroxylation of the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) leading to its recognition by the molecule VHL and subsequent ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation.

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Why is it important?

Provides a direct link between the availability of oxygen and the mechanism of sensing hypoxia that underlies the regulation of a range of critical transcriptional responses including those that promote red blood cell formation, new vessel growth and metabolism. Gives a potential means of interfering with this system for potential therapy.