A dynamic model of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1 ) network

Lan K Nguyen, Miguel AS Cavadas, Carsten C Scholz, Susan F Fitzpatrick, Ulrike Bruning, Eoin P Cummins, Murtaza Tambuwala, Mario C Manres, Boris N Kholodenko, Cormac T Taylor, Alex Cheong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

100 Citations (Scopus)
114 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway is a critical step in the transcriptional response to hypoxia. Although many of the key proteins involved have been characterised, the dynamics of their interactions in generating this response remain unclear. In the present study, we have generated a comprehensive mathematical model of the HIF-1α pathway based on core validated components and dynamic experimental data, and confirm the previously described connections within the predicted network topology. Our model confirms previous work demonstrating that the steps leading to optimal HIF-1α transcriptional activity require sequential inhibition of both prolyl- and asparaginyl-hydroxylases. We predict from our model (and confirm experimentally) that there is residual activity of the asparaginyl-hydroxylase FIH (factor inhibiting HIF) at low oxygen tension. Furthermore, silencing FIH under conditions where prolyl-hydroxylases are inhibited results in increased HIF-1α transcriptional activity, but paradoxically decreases HIF-1α stability. Using a core module of the HIF network and mathematical proof supported by experimental data, we propose that asparaginyl hydroxylation confers a degree of resistance upon HIF-1α to proteosomal degradation. Thus, through in vitro experimental data and in silico predictions, we provide a comprehensive model of the dynamic regulation of HIF-1α transcriptional activity by hydroxylases and use its predictive and adaptive properties to explain counter-intuitive biological observations.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1454
JournalJOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
Volume126
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 2013

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