Conditional hypoxia inducible factor-1α induction in embryonic pulmonary epithelium impairs maturation and augments lymphangiogenesis

Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) 1a, EPAS1 and NEPAS are expressed in the embryonic mouse lung and each isoform exhibits distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns throughout morphogenesis. To further assess the role of the HIF1a isoform in lung epithelial cell differentiation and homeostasis, we created transgenic mice that express a constitutively active isoform of human HIF-1a (HIF-1a three point mutant (TPM)), in a doxycycline-dependent manner. Expression of HIF1a TPM in the developing pulmonary epithelium resulted in lung hypoplasia characterized by defective branching morphogenesis, altered cellular energetics and impaired epithelial maturation, culminating in neonatal lethality at birth from severe respiratory distress. Histological and biochemical analyses revealed expanded glycogen pools in the pulmonary epithelial cells at E18.5, concomitant with decreased pulmonary surfactant, suggesting a delay or an arrest in maturation. Importantly, these defects occurred in the absence of apoptosis or necrosis. In addition, sub-pleural hemorrhaging was evident as early as E14.5 in HIF1a TPM lungs, despite normal patterning of the blood vasculature, consistent with defects in endothelial barrier function. Epithelial expression of HIF1a TPM also resulted in increased VEGFA and VEGFC production, an increase in the number of lymphatic vessels and indirect activation of the multiple Notch pathway components in endothelial precursor cells. Collectively, these data indicate that HIF-1a protein levels in the pulmonary epithelium must be tightly controlled for proper development of the epithelial and mesenchymal compartments.

► Conditional HIF1a expression in the fetal lung epithelium disrupts morphogenesis.
► HIF1a induction inhibits proliferation and impairs maturation of epithelial cells.
► HIF1a induces lymphangiogenesis in the developing lung.