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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Studying Cell Cycle-regulated Gene Expression by Two Complementary Cell Synchronization Protocols
12:02

Studying Cell Cycle-regulated Gene Expression by Two Complementary Cell Synchronization Protocols

Published on: June 6, 2017

DRTF1/E2F: an expanding family of heterodimeric transcription factors implicated in cell-cycle control

N B La Thangue1

  • 1Laboratory of Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, UK.

Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|March 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Gene transcription is controlled during the cell cycle. In mammalian cells, the DRTF1/E2F transcription factor integrates cell-cycle progression signals, linking cell-cycle machinery to transcription.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cell-cycle progression involves regulated gene transcription for precise control.
  • Transcription factors play a crucial role in integrating cellular processes.
  • The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein is a key regulator in cell cycle control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of DRTF1/E2F transcription factors in mammalian cell cycle regulation.
  • To understand how extracellular signals are integrated with the cell cycle machinery.
  • To investigate the pathway linking cell cycle regulators to transcriptional control.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of transcription factor activity in mammalian cell lines.
  • Investigating the interaction between cell cycle proteins and transcription factors.
  • Studying the regulation of DRTF1/E2F by cyclin-dependent kinases.

Main Results:

  • DRTF1/E2F is identified as a key transcription activity integrating cell-cycle progression.
  • Proteins like the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene product generate signals converging on DRTF1/E2F.
  • Cyclin-dependent kinases regulate the activity of these signaling proteins.

Conclusions:

  • DRTF1/E2F acts as a crucial link between cell cycle machinery and the transcription apparatus.
  • This regulatory pathway is pivotal for controlling cell-cycle progression in mammalian cells.
  • Understanding this mechanism provides insights into cell proliferation and tumor suppression.

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