The role of hypoxia-inducible factor in osteogenesis and chondrogenesis

Oxygen availability is a critical signal for the proper development of many tissues. The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) plays an important role in maintenance of oxygen homeostasis in all metazoans. Numerous growth and transcription factors have been implicated in the development of the skeletal system. Many of the factors that are up-regulated during hypoxia are downstream of HIF activation. Recent work has demonstrated that HIF has a critical function in cartilage and bone development. We summarize current understanding of the role of HIF in bone and cartilage development.