Fig. 1.

Hypoxia Inducing Factor 1α is the prime mediator of hypoxia in cells. The factor under normal hypoxic conditions is degraded by the proteasome, therefore, the cell does not experience hypoxic symptoms. However, the factor can have several impacts on the hypoxic condition. HIF-1α moves inside the nucleus and drives the transcription of HRE genes, which results in several hypoxic symptoms. Besides, it may also drive the transcription of several inflammatory genes through NF-kB activation. NF-kB transcription factor activation has also been associated with increased serum ferritin accumulation. Moreover, HIF-1α may increase the expression of the ACE-2 receptor on cells, suggesting an enhanced risk of COVID-19 infestation