HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha are differentially activated in distinct cell populations in retinal ischaemia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hypoxia plays a key role in ischaemic and neovascular disorders of the retina. Cellular responses to oxygen are mediated by hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) that are stabilised in hypoxia and induce the expression of a diverse range of genes. The purpose of this study was to define the cellular specificities of HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha in retinal ischaemia, and to determine their correlation with the pattern of retinal hypoxia and the expression profiles of induced molecular mediators.

Methodology/principal findings

We investigated the tissue distribution of retinal hypoxia during oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) in mice using the bio-reductive drug pimonidazole. We measured the levels of HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha proteins by Western blotting and de

SUBMITTER: Mowat FM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2885428 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature