Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF1A) is a key transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the cellular response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia). Under normoxic conditions (normal oxygen levels), HIF1A is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylases, which ultimately target it for rapid ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. This process is mediated by the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor protein, which recognizes hydroxylated HIF1A and marks it for destruction. Therefore, under normoxic conditions, HIF1A levels remain low.
When oxygen levels drop, prolyl hydroxylase activity decreases, leading to HIF1A stabilization and accumulation. Once stabilized, HIF1A translocates to the nucleus, where it dimerizes with HIF-1β. The HIF-1 complex then binds to hypoxia response elements (HREs) in the promoter regions of various target genes, activating transcription of genes involved in the adaptive response to hypoxia. These genes are involved in processes such as angiogenesis, erythropoiesis, glucose metabolism, and cell survival, which together help organisms cope with low oxygen levels.
HIF1A has broad implications in health and disease. Its role in promoting angiogenesis is particularly important in cancer, as tumor cells often exist in hypoxic environments. By enabling cancer cells to adapt and survive in low oxygen conditions, HIF1A contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, it has become an important target for therapeutic intervention in tumors. In addition, HIF1A has been implicated in ischemic diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction, in which tissue oxygen supply is compromised. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate HIF1A could provide insights into developing treatments for a variety of hypoxia-related diseases.
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a key transcriptional mediator of the cellular response to hypoxia and is also involved in cancer progression. Regulation of its oxygen-sensitive HIF-1α subunit involves post-translational modifications that control its stability, subcellular localization, and activity. Phosphorylation of the HIF-1α C-terminal domain by ERK1/2 promotes nuclear accumulation of HIF-1α and stimulates HIF-1 activity, whereas lack of this modification triggers nuclear export of HIF-1α and its association with mitochondria. On the other hand, modification of the N-terminal domain of HIF-1α by CK1δ attenuates HIF-1 activity by impeding the formation of HIF-1α/ARNT heterodimers.
To investigate the interplay between the two antagonistic HIF-1α phosphorylations by CK1δ and ERK1/2 and their role in HIF-1α subcellular distribution and activity, the researchers constructed a number of HIF-1α mutant forms that combined phospho-deficient and phospho-mimetic mutations at two sites of the two kinases and expressed them in HIF1A knockout HeLa cell lines. In addition, they investigated the interactome of non-nuclear HIF-1α and how it might be affected by CK1δ. The study found that modification of non-nuclear HIF-1α by CK1δ leads to its release from mitochondria and its binding to microtubules through interactions between the N-terminal part of HIF-1α and tubulin. Furthermore, these results suggest that CK1δ-stimulated binding of endogenous HIF-1α to microtubules is most pronounced during mitosis and is required for the symmetric delivery of HIF-1α to daughter nuclei during cell division.
Figure 1. CK1δ phosphomimic mutations reduce mitochondrial association of non-nuclear HIF-1α. A Fluorescence microscopy images of HIF1A knockout HeLa cells expressing GFP-HIF-1α wt-SA or GFP-HIF-1α SD-SA grown under hypoxia (1% O2). B Western blot analysis of proteins recovered from soluble and microtubule-enriched fractions of HIF1A knockout HeLa cells expressing GFP-HIF-1α SD-SA under hypoxia (1% O2) using antibodies against the indicated proteins. (Arseni, Christina, et al. 2024)
Hypoxia Research: HIF1A (hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha) plays a key role in the cellular response to low oxygen conditions. By using a HIF1A knockout cell line, researchers can study specific pathways and genes regulated by HIF1A under hypoxic conditions, which is critical to understanding diseases such as cancer where hypoxia is a common feature.
Cancer Research: HIF1A is closely associated with tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Using the HIF1A knockout HeLa cell line, it is possible to study how the loss of this gene affects cancer cell behavior, providing insights that may lead to new therapeutic targets.
Gene Function Analysis: By observing the phenotypic consequences of deleting HIF1A, researchers can better understand the role of this gene in various cellular processes. This contributes to a broader understanding of gene regulation and function in human cells.
Drug Screening and Development: This cell line serves as a valuable tool for testing the efficacy and mechanism of new drugs targeting the HIF1A-regulated hypoxia pathways. It allows for comparison of drug effects in the presence and absence of HIF1A.
Metabolic Research: HIF1A affects key metabolic pathways, and its knockout helps to elucidate its role in cellular metabolism. Studying these pathways may reveal how cells adjust their metabolism in response to different environmental conditions.
Differentiation and Developmental Biology: HIF1A is involved in various developmental processes. The HIF1A knockout HeLa cell line can be used to study how the loss of HIF1A affects cell differentiation and development-related pathways.
Customer Q&As
What is the recommended growth medium? Does it require antibiotic selection?
A: DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum.
It is not required to add the selection antibiotics when culturing the KO cells.
How is the knockout cell line validated?
A: The knockout cell product is validated by PCR amplification and Sanger Sequencing to confirm the mutation at the genomic level. Please find the detailed mutation info in the datasheet.
Is the product a single clonal cell or mixed cell pool?
A: Single clonal cell.
Can I confirm gene knockout by RT-qPCR?
A: No. This knockout cell product is generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to induce small insertions or deletions (indels) resulting in frameshift mutations. Although these frameshift mutations typically disrupt the coding gene, there is a possibility that the non-functional transcript may still be transcribed. Consequently, this could potentially yield misleading results when analyzed by RT-qPCR.
How can I store the cell product?
A: The cell line should be stored in liquid nitrogen for long-term preservation.
Is it possible to get multiple knockout clones for my GOI?
A: For most cases, we often keep at least 2 clones with different frameshift mutations. Please feel free to contact us to check if there are additional available clones.
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Customer Reviews
Precision
The Human HIF1A Knockout Cell Line-HeLa's seamless integration has not only elevated the accuracy and efficiency of my experiments but has also paved the way for pioneering advancements that are reshaping our understanding of genetics. Its impact is instrumental in redefining the scientific landscape and propelling us towards new frontiers of knowledge, revolutionizing our approach to genetic research.
Consistency
The Human HIF1A Knockout Cell Line-HeLa sample is outstanding. The knockout efficiency is consistent across different passages, ensuring reliable results in downstream experiments. It is an excellent choice for researchers studying the role of HIF1A in human diseases.
Adaptability
Human HIF1A Knockout Cell Line-HeLa's adaptability across diverse research realms fosters a spirit of collaboration, inspiring inventive methodologies and cultivating interdisciplinary partnerships that expand the horizons of genetic science.
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