Thirdly, human VHL mutations associated with PCCs have a complex relationship to dysregulation of HIF: type 1 VHL mutations, which show complete dysregulation of HIF, are not associated with pheochromocytoma whereas type 2A, B and C VHL mutations, which are associated with pheochromocytoma, show either less severe or no dysregulation of HIF, at least when assayed in vitro or in heterologous cell types (Kaelin 2008). Here, VHL is linked to pheochromocytoma.