Hypoxia-inducible factors and adenosine signaling in vascular growth

Abstract

Low oxygen environment or hypoxia is conducive towards vascular growth and endothelial proliferation. Therefore it is an essential element in both disease and development. Hypoxia stabilizes the hypoxia-inducible transcription factors-1α and -2α and also increases adenosine levels thereby activating the adenosine receptor signaling pathways. While these pathways have been described independently to a greater extent, increasing evidence suggests that there is significant crosstalk. Here we will summarize the contributions and interdependence of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors and the adenosine receptor pathways in vascular growth. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.