Low-oxygen switch for cells Australian researchers have
identified a molecular 'switch' that helps our body's cells cope
when oxygen levels fall, a finding that could provide the basis
for future drugs to help in recovery from stroke and heart
attack. "We know all cells in humans need oxygen for
reproduction and survival but when oxygen becomes limiting, such
as in heart attack, the cells must adapt," said researcher Dr
Murray Whitelaw. "The question has been how do they do it." It
is known that certain genes are activated in low-oxygen
conditions. These genes help increase delivery of oxygen by
making more red blood cells and blood vessels. They also reduce
the body's reliance on oxygen by switching to a form of energy
production not dependent on oxygen, called glycolysis (which
uses glycogen from the liver). But how does the body know when
to activate these genes? Previous research has found that a
protein known as Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) responds to low
oxygen levels and switches on the genes. Howev