The function of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) is impaired in senescent mice

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Abstract
Senescent organisms respond poorly to hypoxic stress. The transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) plays a critical role in the coordinated genetic program that is induced in all tissues to adapt to hypoxic stress by binding to a specific DNA hypoxia‐responsive recognition element (HRE). This study was designed to address whether aging is associated with an alteration in HIF‐1 production and function. Young and old mice were exposed to hypoxia for various lengths of time. We found a severe impairment in the capacity of the old animals to form a HIF‐1‐HRE complex. This attenuation in the capacity to form HIF‐1‐HRE complexes in senescent tissues may explain the decreased ability of such tissues to respond to hypoxic stress.