Transcriptional activation of the Prox1 gene by HIF-1α and HIF-2α in response to hypoxia

► Prox1 is critical to lymphangiogenesis and differentiation of other organs during embryogenesis. ► A hypoxia-response element (HRE) has been identified at the Prox1 promoter/regulatory region. ► Hypoxia induces up-regulation of the Prox1 gene. ► HIF-1α and HIF-2α bind to the Prox1 HRE and activate transcription from the Prox1 promoter. ► Hypoxia promotes lymphangiogenesis by activating Prox1.