Abstract
Oxygen plays a critical role in the perpetuation and propagation of almost all forms of life. The primary site of cellular oxygen consumption is the mitochondrial electron transport chain and in addition, oxygen is also used as a substrate for various enzymes involved in cellular homeostasis. Although our knowledge of the biochemistry and physiology of oxygen transport is century old, recent development of sophisticated tools of biophysical chemistry revealed that tissue oxygenation and oxygen sensing is a highly evolved process, especially in mammals. Perturbation of normal oxygen supply is associated with diseases like tumorigenesis, myocardial infarction and stroke. Available information suggests that when tissue oxygen supply is limited, mitochondria emanate signals involving reactive oxygen species generation which in turn stabilizes oxygen sensing transcription factor HIF-1. Upon stabilization, HIF-1 elicits necessary genetic response to cope with the diminished oxygen level. In view of such critical role of HIF-1 in cellular oxygen sensing, recently there has been a heightened interest in understanding the biology of HIF-1 in the context of cardiovascular system. The following review describes some of the recent advances in this regard.
Highlights
Molecular oxygen, perhaps is only second to water for its critical role in the sustenance and propagation of life process
Cellular oxygen is attributed to the intracellular generation of a plethora of highly reactive molecules collectively known as reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) causing oxidative modifications of various biomolecules with diverse consequences [5,6,7]
Oxygen level and the duration of hypoxia play critical roles in determining responses elicited by the cardiac channels
Summary
Perhaps is only second to water for its critical role in the sustenance and propagation of life process. Cellular oxygen is attributed to the intracellular generation of a plethora of highly reactive molecules collectively known as reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) causing oxidative modifications of various biomolecules with diverse consequences [5,6,7]. Inadequacy of oxygen supply or hypoxia, either to the whole body or to certain tissues has severe pathological consequences such as cardiovascular diseases, tumorigenesis and stroke [8]. The molecular insight into the hypoxic response was first gained only in early nineties in the context of tumorigenesis, while that by the cardiovascular system|. The present review is aimed towards summarizing some of those recent observations and putting them in the larger context of the physiology of oxygen sensing by the myocardium
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
