The transcription factor E2F interacts with the retinoblastoma product and a p107-cyclin A complex in a cell cycle-regulated manner

Abstract

E2F is a transcription factor believed to play a role in the activation of genes required for cellular proliferation. Its regulation is likely important for maintenance of G0 and for the initiation of cell growth. The retinoblastoma product (RB) forms a complex with E2F in G1 in primary and established human cells. As these cells enter S, a second E2F-containing complex appears. It contains p107, a nuclear "pocket" protein with similarities in structure and protein-binding properties to RB, and cyclin A, a cyclin believed to play a role in facilitating DNA replication. Hence, the regulation of E2F is carried out differently in G1 or S. The presence of cyclin A and a pocket protein, a possible cell growth regulator, in the same S phase-associated complex suggests a link between the function of E2F and the regulation of the DNA replication process.