E2F-8: an E2F family member with a similar organization of DNA-binding domains to E2F-7

E2F is a family of transcription factors implicated in cell cycle control. To understand the role of E2F in controlling cell cycle progression, it is necessary to clarify the breadth of the E2F family. To date, seven E2F subunits have been identified. We report here the characterization of a new E2F subunit, E2F-8, which resembles the organization of E2F-7 in the presence of two separate DNA-binding domains, the integrity of which is required for E2F-8 to bind to DNA. Furthermore, like E2F-7, we find that E2F-8 can repress transcription and delay cell cycle progression. The similarities between E2F-7 and E2F-8 define a new subgroup of the E2F family, and further imply that E2F-7 and E2F-8 may act through overlapping mechanisms in mediating cell cycle control.