| Abstract: | Angiogenesis, the sprouting of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, is essential for the growth and metastasis of tumours. One of the most important angiogenic factors is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is upregulated by many oncogenes but especially by hypoxia via a hypoxia-regulated transcription factor called hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Hypoxia is a common event found in tumours and is associated with resistance to therapy and a poor prognosis. This review describes recent advances in the regulation of gene expression, angiogenesis and tumour therapies related to hypoxia. |
