Differential sub-nuclear distribution of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF)-1 and -2 alpha impacts on their stability and mobility

What is it about?

To survive, cells need to adapt to changes in their environment. This is achieved by the activation of DNA binding proteins, called transcription factors, modifying the expression of particular genes. We have shown that two similar transcription factors, activated when cells experience low oxygen, behave very differently: one of them has a spotty pattern and moves slowly, whereas the other one is evenly dispersed and moves fast. These differences may explain how these transcription factors control different sets of genes in response to low oxygen during embryo development or in severe conditions including cancer and stroke.

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