HIF-1α-Mediated Disruption of Cellular Junctions: The Impact of Hypoxia on the Tumor Microenvironment and Invasion

Hypoxia is a critical factor affecting tissue homeostasis that dramatically alters the tumor microenvironment (TME) through genetic, metabolic, and structural changes, promoting tumor survival and proliferation. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) plays a central role in this process by regulating hundreds of genes involved in the processes of tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, and immune evasion. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the role of HIF-1α in hypoxia and how hypoxia weakens intercellular junctions—including gap junctions, adherens junctions, tight junctions, and desmosomes. The disruption of gap junctions decreases intercellular communication, which alters signal transduction cascades and tumor suppressive properties. Adherens junctions are comprised of proteins that characterize the tissues and link cells to the actin cytoskeleton, whereby their disruption promotes the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Under hypoxic conditions, the tight junction proteins are dysregulated, altering paracellular transport and cell polarity. In addition, desmosomes provide linkage to intermediate filaments, and hypoxia compromises tissue integrity. Collectively, the influence of hypoxia on cellular junctions promotes tumorigenesis through reducing cell communication, cytoskeletal interactions, and altering signaling pathways. Activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) further degrades the extracellular matrix and enhances tumor invasion and metastasis. This process also involves hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, regulated by HIF-1α. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of hypoxia-driven tumor adaptation is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, this review examines current treatments aimed at targeting HIF-1α and explores future directions to enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes.