Ascorbic acid and ascorbate-2-phosphate decrease HIF activity and malignant properties of human melanoma cells

Source: 7th Space Interactive, November 2015

Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) is thought to play a role in melanoma carcinogenesis. Posttranslational regulation of HIF-1αis dependent on Prolyl hydroxylase (PHD 1-3) and Factor Inhibiting HIF (FIH) hydroxylase enzymes, which require ascorbic acid as a co-factor for optimal function.

Depleted intra-tumoral ascorbic acid may thus play a role in the loss of HIF-1αregulation in melanoma. These studies assess the ability of ascorbic acid to reduce HIF-1αprotein and transcriptional activity in metastatic melanoma and reduce its invasive potential……..