Topoisomerase I-mediated inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor 1: Mechanism and therapeutic implications

We have shown previously that the camptothecin analogue topotecan (TPT), a topoisomerase I (Top 1) poison, inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) transcriptional activity and HIF-1alpha protein accumulation in hypoxia-treated U251 human glioma cells. In this article, we demonstrate that TPT does not affect HIF-1alpha protein half-life or mRNA accumulation but inhibits its translation. In addition, we demonstrate that Top 1 is required for the inhibition of HIF-1alpha protein accumulation by TPT as shown by experiments performed using camptothecin-resistant cell lines with known Top 1 alterations. Experiments performed with aphidicolin indicated that TPT inhibited HIF-1 protein accumulation in the absence of DNA replication. DNA-damaging agents, such as ionizing radiation and doxorubicin, did not affect HIF-1alpha protein accumulation. Ongoing transcription was essential for the inhibition of HIF-1alpha protein accumulation by TPT. Our results demonstrate the existence of a novel pathway connecting Top 1-dependent signaling events and the regulation of HIF-1alpha protein expression and function. In addition, our findings dissociate the cytotoxic activity of TPT from the inhibition of the HIF-1 pathway and raise the possibility of novel clinical applications of TPT aimed at targeting HIF-1-dependent responses.