HIFs are vital in various histological contexts, particularly in tissues that frequently experience low oxygen levels, such as muscles during intense exercise, or tumors with poor blood supply. They regulate genes that control angiogenesis, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promotes the formation of new blood vessels to improve oxygen delivery. Additionally, HIFs influence metabolic pathways, shifting cells from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis to adapt to hypoxic conditions.
