**Core Concept**
The VHL gene is a tumor suppressor gene involved in the regulation of cellular growth and proliferation. It is a key component of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, which degrades proteins that are tagged by ubiquitin. The VHL gene is mutated in patients with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, a hereditary cancer syndrome characterized by the development of benign and malignant tumors.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The VHL gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p25-26). Mutations in the VHL gene lead to the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-alpha (HIF-α), which in turn activates the transcription of genes involved in angiogenesis and cell proliferation. The VHL protein binds to the beta subunit of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, targeting HIF-α for degradation. This regulatory pathway is essential for maintaining normal cellular homeostasis.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The VHL gene is not located on chromosome 1.
**Option B:** The VHL gene is not located on chromosome 5.
**Option C:** The VHL gene is not located on chromosome 11.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The VHL gene is a classic example of a tumor suppressor gene that, when mutated, can lead to the development of multiple types of tumors, including renal cell carcinoma, hemangioblastomas, and pheochromocytomas.

**Correct Answer:** C. The VHL gene is located on chromosome 3.