2. Regulation of Cell Cycle Checkpoints by pRB/E2F.

The RB tumor suppressor functions at a molecular level to repress the activity of factors belonging to the E2F family of transcriptional regulators. E2Fs promote proliferation by inducing expression of genes required for cell cycle progression, DNA replication and mitosis. By inactivating E2Fs, the RB tumor suppressor inhibits expression of these genes resulting in a block to cellular proliferation. This role of RB is particularly important in stress responses to DNA damage, oxidative stress and aberrant oncogene activity.

 

References

Dirlam A. & KF Macleod :The Retinoblastoma tumour suppressor. The Cancer Handbook. 2nd Edition. Chapter 24. Edited by Malcolm R Alison. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. (2006).