Recruitment of HIF-1α and HIF-2α to common target genes is differentially regulated in neuroblastoma: HIF-2α promotes an aggressive phenotype

In neuroblastoma specimens, HIF-2alpha but not HIF-1alpha is strongly expressed in well-vascularized areas. In vitro, HIF-2alpha protein was stabilized at 5% O2 (resembling end capillary oxygen conditions) and, in contrast to the low HIF-1alpha activity at this oxygen level, actively transcribed genes like VEGF. Under hypoxia (1% O2), HIF-1alpha was transiently stabilized and primarily mediated acute responses, whereas HIF-2alpha protein gradually accumulated and governed prolonged hypoxic gene activation. Knockdown of HIF-2alpha reduced growth of neuroblastoma tumors in athymic mice. Furthermore, high HIF-2alpha protein levels were correlated with advanced clinical stage and high VEGF expr…