Transcription activation by the adenovirus E1a protein

Abstract

The adenovirus E1a protein stimulates transcription of a wide variety of viral and cellular genes. It is shown here that E1a has the two functions characteristic of a typical cellular activator: one direct E1a to the promoter, perhaps by interacting with a DNA-bound protein, and the other, an activating region, enables the bound activator to stimulate transcription.