HIF and c-Myc: Sibling Rivals for Control of Cancer Cell Metabolism and Proliferation

O2 deprivation (hypoxia) and cellular proliferation engage opposite cellular pathways, yet often coexist during tumor growth. The ability of cells to grow during hypoxia results in part from crosstalk between hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and the proto-oncogene c-Myc. Acting alone, HIF and c-Myc partially regulate complex adaptations undertaken by tumor cells growing in low O2. However, acting in concert these transcription factors reprogram metabolism, protein synthesis, and cell cycle progression, to “fine tune” adaptive responses to hypoxic environments.