HIF-1α is a protein complex activated in tumours under hypoxic conditions (among others), that has a major impact on the dissemination of cancer cells through its regulatory effect along the metastatic pathway, including the creation of premetastatic niches, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, intravasation into blood vessels and extravasation to distant locations [6]. The gene discussed is HIF1A; the disease is neoplasm.