Cancer cells have developed various mechanisms to adapt to the challenging conditions posed by nutrient gradients. One key adaptation is the activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) under low oxygen conditions. HIFs regulate the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis, metabolism, and survival. Additionally, cancer cells can reprogram their metabolism to utilize alternative nutrient sources, such as switching from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis (known as the Warburg effect), which allows them to thrive even in low-oxygen environments.
