Role of E2F transcription factor in E1A-mediated trans activation of cellular genes

Adenovirus E1A-dependent trans activation of the adenovirus E2 gene involves the activation of the cellular transcription factor E2F. E2F binding sites have also been identified in the 5'-flanking region of a number of cellular genes, raising the possibility that such genes are targets for E1A trans activation. We now demonstrate that two genes that possess E2F recognition sites, N-myc and DHFR, are stimulated by E1A, dependent on the E2F sites. We also find that although there are multiple E2F sites in these promoters, a single intact E2F binding site is sufficient for E1A-mediated induction, although not to the full wild-type level. These results thus demonstrate that a variety of cellular genes that possess E2F binding sites are subject to E1A trans activation. Moreover, since the products of most of these genes are likely critical for cellular proliferation, there are obvious consequences of this trans activation for cellular phenotype.