Molecular cloning and characterization of the mouse E2F6 gene

E2F6 is the most recently identified member of the E2F family. In this study, the murine E2F6 gene was cloned and found to consist of eight exons. Analysis of its 5' flanking region revealed two transcription start sites. The proximal promoter region contained no TATA or CAAT box. We also identified a novel E2F6 mRNA containing the alternative exon 2. The E2F6 mRNAs are highly expressed during mouse embryogenesis and are present in all adult tissues examined. Moreover, E2F6 shows a unique expression pattern in synchronized mouse embryonic fibroblasts. E2F6 expression rapidly increases during the G0-G1 transition, reaching its higher level in mid-G1, and remains relatively constant thereafter. These findings suggest that E2F6 may contribute to the regulation of events throughout the cell cycle. Isolation of the murine E2F6 gene is a step toward generation of genetically modified mouse models that will help to understand the functions of E2F6.