Connection Between HIF1A Polymorphism and Cancer

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The uncontrolled proliferation of cells with their subsequent spread to other organs is among its main features [1, 2]. The most common types of cancer are: breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, skin and stomach cancer [1].Carcinogenesis consists of many complex processes during which a crucial phase for tumor progression is cellular adaptation to hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) belong to the family of transcription factors that respond to low oxygen availability, which is often a special feature of solid tumors [3]. Oxygen-regulated expression of the HIF1A subunit in excessive amounts is found in many tumors, which suggests a possible link between this gene and the development of cancer [4]. HIF1A activity is associated with a severe course of tumors, as well as a predisposition to their occurrence, in particular with prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, lung and kidney cancer.