Transcriptional Control of Cell Growth

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-IX

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2. Introduction to the E2F Family: Protein Structure and Gene Regulation

   • J. E. Slansky, P. J. Farnham

   Pages 1-30

3. Regulatory Interactions Among E2Fs and Cell Cycle Control Proteins

   • D. Cobrinik

   Pages 31-61

4. Use of the E2F Transcription Factor by DNA Tumor Virus Regulatory Proteins

   • W. D. Cress, J. R. Nevins

   Pages 63-78

5. The Cellular Effects of E2F Overexpression

   • P. D. Adams, W. G. Kaelin Jr.

   Pages 79-93

6. Start-Specific Transcription in Yeast

   • L. Breeden

   Pages 95-127

7. Conclusions and Future Directions

   • P. J. Farnham

   Pages 129-137

8. Back Matter

   Pages 139-144

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It is of critical importance to maintain an appropriate balance between proliferation and quiescence or differentiation through­ out the lifespan of all animals. An important control point in this balance occurs in the G, phase of the cell cycle. On the basis of environmental cues a cell in G, must decide whether to continue through the proliferative cycle and enter S phase (where DNA replication occurs) or to exit from the proliferative cycle into a nonreplicating state. Alterations in the mechanisms that nor­ mally control this decision can lead to cancer, cell death, or loss of differentiated cellular phenotypes. The identification of the E2F gene family of transcription factors has allowed a more complete understanding of how the cell maintains an appropri­ ate proliferative state. This volume provides an up-to-date ac­ count of present reports concerning E2F as well as a framework for future investigations. E2F activity requires heterodimerization of two partners. Either partner can be one of several different transcription factors; E2Fl, E2F2, E2F3, E2F4, or E2F5 can heterodimerize with either DPl or DP2. Cellular promoters whose E2F sites mediate a link between transcription and proliferation drive genes whose products are required for DNA synthesis and genes that encode regulators of cell growth. A detailed analY$is of the role that E2F family members play in transcription from these promoters is presented in the chapter by J. E. SLANSKY and P. J. FARNHAM.

• DNA
• cell
• cell cycle
• cell nucleus
• gene
• gene regulation
• growth
• influence
• protein
• protein structure
• proteins
• regulation
• transcription
• virus
• yeast

• McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, USA

  Peggy J. Farnham

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