Hypoxia-inducible Factor (HIF) Asparagine Hydroxylase Is Identical to Factor Inhibiting HIF (FIH) and Is Related to the Cupin Structural Family

What is it about?

Provides an explanation of the mechanism by which oxygen is sensed by cells through the action of an oxygen dependent asparaginyl hydroxylase. These enzymes catalyse asparaginyl hydroxylation of the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) leading to its reduced transcriptional potency when oxygen is available

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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.