Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-2α Promotes EMT in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Through Notch Pathway

Abstract Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common devasting tumor around the world, characterized by persistent hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (hif-2α) has been regarded as an oncogene in many kinds of cancers, exerting its function to promote tumor growth and metastasis. But the role of hif-2α in ESCC remains largely unknown. In this study, we discovered hif-2α was overexpressed in ESCC and could promote proliferation and metastasis in ESCC cells. Functionally, hif-2α facilitated EMT through Notch pathway in ESCC. Moreover, we identified hif-2α as an independent factor that predict poor prognosis in ESCC patients. These findings suggested that hif-2α is a key regulator of EMT and played a critical role in promoting ESCC progression.