However, HIF2α can also act as a pro-proliferative factor in other scenarios, such as Vhl-deficient renal cell carcinoma or some stem cell niches, through a number cell-autonomous mechanisms including activation of genes involved in the cell cycle in addition to mTORC1 activation12, 21, 22, 53, 54. This evidence concerns the gene EPAS1 and hereditary clear cell renal cell carcinoma.