Cellular adaptations to low oxygen conditions

My research project aims to understand the molecular and metabolic adaptions of our cells to low oxygen conditions, with a special focus on folate metabolism. Certain physiological (e.g. high-altitude training and high-intensity exercise) and pathological (e.g. strokes and cancer) situations lead to a considerable drop in cell oxygen content, which eventually allow for the stabilization and activation of the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-alpha (HIF1a). HIF1a forms and drives a protein-machinery that adapts cell metabolism to low oxygen content. However, part of this machinery is still unknown. Our preliminary data point to unexpected enzymes in the folate pathway as a new component of the HIF1a machinery. Our current efforts aim to understand to what extent and in which situations HIF1a cross-talks with the folate pathway and, eventually, how we could intervene pharmacologically in these circumstances.