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. The gene discussed is VHL; the disease is renal cell carcinoma.