Tumour suppressor retinoblastoma protein Rb: A transcriptional regulator

Liang Zhu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

Rb was the first tumour suppressor identified through human genetic studies. The most significant achievement after almost twenty years since its cloning is the revelation that Rb possesses functions of a transcription regulator. Rb serves as a transducer between the cell cycle machinery and promoter-specific transcription factors. In this capacity, Rb is best known as a repressor of the E2F/DP family of transcription factors, which regulate expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and survival. An equally important aspect of Rb as a transcription regulator is that Rb also activates certain differentiation transcription factors to promote cellular differentiation. The molecular mechanisms behind the repressive effects of Rb on E2Fs have come to light in significant details, while those relating to Rb activation of differentiation transcription factors are much less understood. Finally, it has become clear that there are other aspects to Rb function that are not immediately related to transcription regulation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2415-2427
Number of pages13
JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer
Volume41
Issue number16
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cell cycle
  • Chromatin
  • Differentiation
  • E2F
  • Oncoprotein
  • Partial penetrance
  • Protein degradation
  • Retinoblastoma protein Rb
  • Skp2
  • Transcription
  • Tumour suppressor
  • p27Kip1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Tumour suppressor retinoblastoma protein Rb: A transcriptional regulator'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this