The "angiogenic switch" is a critical step in tumor progression. Which of the following molecular mechanisms best explains how hypoxic conditions inside a growing tumor mass trigger this switch?

Options:

• A: Hypoxia induces the degradation of p53, which directly blocks the transcription of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).
• B: Low oxygen levels directly activate matrix metalloproteinases to cleave existing blood vessels, forcing them to sprout.
• C: Hypoxia stabilizes Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), which translocates to the nucleus and upregulates the expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF).
• D: Hypoxia causes the downregulation of erythropoietin, leading to localized endothelial cell proliferation.

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