Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are transcription factors that are responsible
for adapting to the changes in oxygen levels in the cellular environment. HIF
activity determines the expression of cellular proteins that control the
development and physiology of the cells and pathophysiology of a disease.
Understanding the role of specific HIF (HIF-1-3) in cellular function is
essential for development of the HIF-targeted therapies. In this review, we have
discussed the use of flow cytometry in analysing HIF function in cells. Proper
understanding of HIF-signalling will help to design pharmacological
interventions HIF-mediated therapy. We have discussed the role of HIF-signalling
in various diseases such as cancer, renal and liver diseases, ulcerative
colitis, arthritis, diabetes and diabetic complications, psoriasis, and wound
healing. We have also discussed protocols that help to decipher the role of HIFs
in these diseases that would eventually help to design promising therapies.
Keywords
flow cytometry - hypoxia inducible factors signalling