InterPro domain: IPR015633

The E2F family of transcription factors plays a crucial role in the control of cell cycle [ 1 , 2 ] and action of tumour suppressor proteins. This family consists of eight members and is divided into activators (E2F1–3) and repressors (E2F4–8) depending on cellular context, target gene and cofactors [ 3 ]. The E2F proteins contain several evolutionarily conserved domains found in most members of the family. These domains include a DNA-binding domain, a dimerisation domain which determines interaction with the differentiation regulated transcription factor proteins (DP), a transactivation domain enriched in acidic amino acids, and a tumour suppressor protein association domain which is embedded within the transactivation domain [ 3 ]. Classical E2Fs (E2F1–6) contain one DNA-binding domain which form heterodimers with DP proteins; atypical family members, E2F7 and E2F8, possess two DNA-binding domains, form homodimers or heterodimers, thus regulating transcription in a DP-independent manner [ 4 ].

1. E2F7 and E2F8 promote angiogenesis through transcriptional activation of VEGFA in cooperation with HIF1. EMBO J 31, 3871-84
2. Regulation of E2F1-induced apoptosis by the nucleolar protein RRP1B. J Biol Chem 285, 6348-63
3. In vivo association of E2F and DP family proteins. Mol. Cell. Biol. 15, 2536-46