How Do Cancer Cells Adapt Their Metabolism to Hypoxic Conditions?
Hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, is common in rapidly growing tumors due to insufficient blood supply. Cancer cells adapt to hypoxia by activating hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which induce the expression of genes involved in glycolysis, angiogenesis, and survival. This adaptation allows cancer cells to continue generating energy and biomass even under oxygen-limited conditions.