Mechanisms Regulating Hypoxia Tolerance in Drosophila and Humans

Abstract Consistent and stable oxygen supply is critical for animal development and survival. Oxygen deprivation, or hypoxic stress, is a common pathological factor for many human diseases. A better understanding of the fundamental genetic, epigenetic, and molecular basis for tolerance to low-oxygen environments will provide potential targets for the development of effective therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat hypoxia-related diseases. Different cells and organisms have evolved different ways to cope with life-threatening challenges, and the molecular and genetic mechanisms remain largely unknown. The current advances of biotechnology, such as next generation sequencing and iPSC-derived cell models, have significantly enhanced our ability to determine the basis of many diseases and conditions, including tolerance and susceptibility to hypoxic stress. In this chapter, we highlight the progress made in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying tolerance to hypoxia stress in Drosophila melanogaster and human highlanders.