the protein encoded by this gene is the alpha-3 subunit of one of several alpha/beta-subunit heterodimeric transcription factors that regulate many adaptive responses to low oxygen tension (hypoxia). the alpha-3 subunit lacks the transactivation domain found in factors containing either the alpha-1 or alpha-2 subunits. it is thought that factors containing the alpha-3 subunit are negative regulators of hypoxia-inducible gene expression. at least three transcript variants encoding three different isoforms have been found for this gene.