Cyclin-dependent kinases regulate lysosomal degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α to promote cell-cycle progression

Cyclin-dependent kinases regulate lysosomal degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α to promote cell-cycle progression

HIF-1α is known to be important for adaptations to hypoxia, which is of interest for solid tumours which often have hypoxic regions due to their poorly formed vasculature. In addition, HIF-1α is a negative regulator of DNA replication but somehow some cells are able to replicate under hypoxic conditions. Here, the authors report that HIF-1α levels are coupled to the cell cycle through lysosomal degradation of HIF-1α. Blocking lysosomal degradation of HIF-1α through manipulation of Cdk proteins led to cell-cycle arrest in cancer cells.