Based on HIF2α driving the response to chronic hypoxia and being degraded by intermittent hypoxia, whereas HIF1α being primarily active in acute hypoxia and being destabilized under chronic hypoxic conditions11, 13, 14, 15, 16 (Fig. 1A), our results suggest that MSA patients may suffer from chronic hypoxic events. The gene discussed is EPAS1; the disease is multiple system atrophy.