title: The paradox of E2F1: oncogene and tumor suppressor gene.
abstract: Cancer cells often contain mutations that lead to the loss of retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (Rb) function and the activation of E2F-dependent transcription. As a result, proliferation is deregulated, and sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli is increased. In cell culture studies, the transcription factor E2F1 has been shown to be equally adept at inducing proliferation and apoptosis. Several groups using mouse models have been examining how these E2F1-regulated processes impact the development of cancer. The conclusion from these studies is that E2F1 can function as both oncogene and tumor suppressor gene and that both positive and negative effects on tumorigenesis can be observed whether E2F1 is absent or overexpressed. These findings are discussed in the context of a model in which pathways controlling cell-cycle progression and apoptosis are intimately linked.
authors.affiliation: Department of Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park-Research Division, Smithville, Texas 78957, USA.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D050684:E2F Transcription Factors; D050687:E2F1 Transcription Factor; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D056465:Retinoblastoma-Binding Protein 1; D050680:Transcription Factor DP1; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: C533431:Arid4a protein, mouse; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D050684:E2F Transcription Factors; D050687:E2F1 Transcription Factor; C493753:E2F1 protein, human; C493754:E2f1 protein, mouse; D056465:Retinoblastoma-Binding Protein 1; D050680:Transcription Factor DP1; D014157:Transcription Factors