The RB/E2F pathway and regulation of RNA processing.
The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (RB) is inactivated in a majority of cancers. RB restricts cell proliferation by inhibiting the E2F family of transcription factors. The current model for RB/E2F function describes its role in regulating transcription at gene promoters. Whether the RB or E2F proteins might play a role in gene expression beyond transcription initiation is not well known. This review describes evidence that points to a novel role for the RB/E2F network in the regulation of RNA processing, and we propose a model as a framework for future research. The elucidation of a novel role of RB in RNA processing will have a profound impact on our understanding of the role of this tumor suppressor family in cell and developmental biology.
Ahlander
Joseph
J
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, 1007 East Lowell Street, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
Bosco
Giovanni
G
D000818:Animals; D050684:E2F Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D016160:Retinoblastoma Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D050684:E2F Transcription Factors; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D016160:Retinoblastoma Protein