HIF-dependent induction of adenosine A2B receptor in hypoxia

Adenosine has been widely associated with hypoxia of many origins, including those associated with inflammation and tumorogenesis. A number of recent studies have implicated metabolic control of adenosine generation at sites of tissue hypoxia. Here, we examine adenosine receptor control and amplification of signaling through transcriptional regulation of endothelial and epithelial adenosine receptors. Initial studies confirmed previous findings indicating selective induction of human adenosine A2B receptor (A2BR) by hypoxia. Analysis of the cloned human A2BR promoter identified a functional hypoxia-responsive region, including a functional binding site for hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) within the A2BR promoter. Further studies examining HIF-1 alpha DNA binding and HIF-1 alpha gain and loss of function confirmed strong dependence of A2BR induction by HIF-1 alpha in vitro and in vivo mouse models. Additional studies in endothelia overexpressing full-length A2BR revealed functional phenotypes of increased barrier function and enhanced angiogenesis. Taken together, these results demonstrate transcriptional coordination of A2BR by HIF-1 alpha and amplified adenosine signaling during hypoxia. These findings may provide an important link between hypoxia and metabolic conditions associated with inflammation and angiogenesis.