Role of PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK in Mediating Hypoxia-Induced Expression of HIF-1 and VEGF in Laser-Induced Rat Choroidal Neovascularization

Abstract

Purpose. The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 plays a central physiological role in oxygen and energy homeostasis and is activated during hypoxia by stabilization of the subunit HIF-1α. Hypoxia plays an important role in the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Expression of HIF-1α has been demonstrated in CNV. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most well-characterized angiogenic factors in CNV, which is under the regulation of HIF-1. The aim of the present study was to explore the upstream signaling pathways involved in regulating hypoxia-induced expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in laser-induced rat CNV.