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Updated: May 26, 2026

Studying Cell Cycle-regulated Gene Expression by Two Complementary Cell Synchronization Protocols
Published on: June 6, 2017
E2F7 represses a network of oscillating cell cycle genes to control S-phase progression
Bart Westendorp1, Michal Mokry, Marian J A Groot Koerkamp
1Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
E2F7 transcription factor is highly expressed during S-phase, repressing G(1)/S genes. E2F7 induction causes S-phase arrest and DNA damage, revealing its role in cell cycle gene deactivation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- E2F transcription factors regulate cell cycle gene expression.
- Mechanisms for deactivating cell cycle genes are largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of E2F7 in transcriptional repression of cell cycle genes.
- Determine the function of E2F7 during cell cycle progression.
Main Methods:
- ChIP-seq analysis to identify E2F7 binding sites.
- Gene expression analysis following E2F7 induction.
- Cell cycle analysis to assess effects of E2F7 expression.
Main Results:
- E2F7 is highly expressed in mid to late S-phase.
- E2F7 binds to promoters of G(1)/S-regulated genes and represses their transcription.
- E2F7 induction leads to S-phase arrest and DNA damage.
Conclusions:
- E2F7 directly represses G(1)/S genes during S-phase.
- E2F7 plays a critical role in the downswing of oscillating G(1)/S genes.
- E2F7 controls cell cycle progression by deactivating key genes.
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