HIF1α is a key player in angiogenesis. VHL is a protein required for the degradation of HIF1α in the normal oxygen level. Loss-of-function mutations in the VHL gene have been found to promote tumor growth. Please explain why these mutations can promote tumor growth?

Explanation:

The VHL gene is a tumour suppressor gene that regulates cell growth and cell death. This gene is also located on chromosome 3. It functions to prevent rapid proliferation of cells. For a person to develop tumor both copies of the gene must be mistake or altered allowing for a loss of function that prevents its from causing degradation of HIF1α in the normal oxygen level as its it normal function. This then allows for the survival of HIF1α that promotes amgiogenesis promoting tumor development.