Complex role of the HIF system in cardiovascular biology.

The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) system was discovered as an oxygen-sensitive regulatory pathway that confers adaptive responses to hypoxia. Novel aspects of this growing network indicate that there is a significant, nonhypoxic contribution to regulation. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that components of the HIF pathway are intimately involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders. This review highlights the functional context of the HIF system in cardiovascular pathobiology with possible therapeutic implications.