E2F: a link between the Rb tumor suppressor protein and viral oncoproteins

Tumor suppressor genes

The mutation of tumor suppressor genes is thought to contribute to tumor growth by inactivating proteins that normally act to limit cell proliferation. Several tumor suppressor proteins have been identified in recent years, but only two of them, p53 and pRb, are understood in detail. In the past year, a role has become apparent for both of these proteins in transcription and phosphorylation events required for passage of a cell from G1 to S phase. The pRb protein appears to prevent the function of transcription factors and other proteins needed for S phase until its inactivation by cyclin-dependent kinases in late G1. Induction of p53 by DNA damage may act to cause cell cycle arrest or cell death by altering the transcription program of damaged cells. A detailed molecular understanding of these growth regulators is now emerging, and is the subject of this review.

The transcription factor E2F-1 mediates the autoregulation of RB gene expression

The retinoblastoma (RB) gene is the prototype tumor suppressor gene. Mutations in this gene are often associated with the occurrence of various tumors. Several mutations have been found in the promoter region of the gene, suggesting that inappropriate transcriptional regulation of the RB gene contributes to tumorigenesis. Sequence analysis of the RB promoter has revealed a potential E2F recognition site within a region critical for RB gene transcription. By using the cloned E2F-1 gene, here we report that (i) RB expression is negatively regulated by its own gene product, (ii) E2F-1 binds specifically to an E2F recognition sequence in the RB promoter and transactivates the RB promoter, (iii) overexpression of RB suppresses E2F-1-mediated stimulation of RB promoter activity, and (iv) the expression of the RB gene is paralleled by the expression of the E2F-1 gene during cell cycle progression. These results demonstrate that expression of RB is negatively autoregulated through E2F-1.

DNA sequence requirements for transcriptional initiator activity in mammalian cells

A transcriptional initiator (Inr) for mammalian RNA polymerase II can be defined as a DNA sequence element that overlaps a transcription start site and is sufficient for (i) determining the start site location in a promoter that lacks a TATA box and (ii) enhancing the strength of a promoter that contains a TATA box. We have prepared synthetic promoters containing random nucleotides downstream of Sp1 binding sites to determine the range of DNA sequences that convey Inr activity. Numerous sequences behaved as functional Inrs in an in vitro transcription assay, but the Inr activities varied dramatically. An examination of the functional elements revealed loose but consistent sequence requirements, with the approximate consensus sequence Py Py A+1 N T/A Py Py. Most importantly, almost every functional Inr that has been described fits into the consensus sequence that we have defined. Although several proteins have been reported to bind to specific Inrs, manipulation of those elements failed to correlate protein binding with Inr activity. The simplest model to explain these results is that all or most Inrs are recognized by a universal binding protein, similar to the functional recognition of all TATA sequences by the same TATA-binding protein. The previously reported proteins that bind near specific Inr elements may augment the strength of an Inr or may impart transcriptional regulation through an Inr.

Independent regions of adenovirus E1A are required for binding to and dissociation of E2F-protein complexes

The transcription factor E2F is present in independent complexes with the product of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene, pRB, and a related gene product, p107, in association with the cyclin A-cdk2 or the cyclin E-cdk2 kinase complex. pRB and p107 can negatively regulate E2F activity, since overexpression of pRB or p107 in cells lacking a functional pRB leads to the repression of E2F activity. The products of the adenovirus E1A gene can disrupt E2F complexes and result in free and presumably active E2F transcription factor. The regions of E1A required for this function are also essential for binding to a number of cellular proteins, including pRB and p107. Through the use of a number of glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins representing different regions of E1A, as well as in vivo expression of E1A proteins containing deletions of either conserved region 1 (CR1) or CR2, we find that CR2 of E1A can form stable complexes with E2F. E1A proteins containing both CR1 and CR2 also associate with E2F, although the presence of these proteins results in the release of free E2F from its complexes. In vitro reconstitution experiments indicate that E1A-E2F interactions are not direct and that pRB can serve to facilitate these interactions. Complexes containing E1A, p107, cyclin A, and E2F were identified in vivo, which indicates that E1A may associate with E2F through either p107 or pRB. Peptide competition experiments demonstrate that the pRB-binding domain of the human E2F-1 protein can compete with the CR1 but not CR2 domain of E1A for binding to pRB. These results indicate that E1A CR1 and E2F-1 may bind to the same or overlapping sites on pRB and that E1A CR2 binds to an independent region. On the basis of our results, we propose a two-step model for the release of E2F from pRB and p107 cellular proteins.

The retinoblastoma protein binds to a family of E2F transcription factors

E2F is a transcription factor that helps regulate the expression of a number of genes that are important in cell proliferation. Recently, several laboratories have isolated a cDNA clone that encodes an E2F-like protein, known as E2F-1. Subsequent characterization of this protein showed that it had the properties of E2F, but it was difficult to account for all of the suggested E2F activities through the function of this one protein. Using low-stringency hybridization, we have isolated cDNA clones that encode two additional E2F-like proteins, called E2F-2 and E2F-3. The chromosomal locations of the genes for E2F-2 and E2F-3 were mapped to 1p36 and 6q22, respectfully, confirming their independence from E2F-1. However, the E2F-2 and E2F-3 proteins are closely related to E2F-1. Both E2F-2 and E2F-3 bound to wild-type but not mutant E2F recognition sites, and they bound specifically to the retinoblastoma protein in vivo. Finally, E2F-2 and E2F-3 were able to activate transcription of E2F-responsive genes in a manner that was dependent upon the presence of at least one functional E2F binding site. These observations suggest that the E2F activities described previously result from the combined action of a family of proteins.

Cloning and characterization of E2F-2, a novel protein with the biochemical properties of transcription factor E2F

E2F is a mammalian transcription factor that appears to play an important role in cell cycle regulation. While at least two proteins (E2F-1 and DP-1) with E2F-like activity have been cloned, studies from several laboratories suggest that additional homologs may exist. A novel protein with E2F-like properties, designated E2F-2, was cloned by screening a HeLa cDNA library with a DNA probe derived from the DNA binding domain of E2F-1 (K. Helin, J. A. Lees, M. Vidal, N. Dyson, E. Harlow, and A. Fattaey, Cell 70:337-350, 1992). E2F-2 exhibits overall 46% amino acid identity to E2F-1. Both the sequence and the function of the DNA and retinoblastoma gene product binding domains of E2F-1 are conserved in E2F-2. The DNA binding activity of E2F-2 is dramatically enhanced by complementation with particular sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis-purified components of HeLa cell E2F, and anti-E2F-2 antibodies cross-react with components of purified HeLa cell E2F. These observations are consistent with a model in which E2F binds DNA as a heterodimer of two distinct proteins, and E2F-2 is functionally and immunologically related to one of these proteins.

Differential induction of ‘metabolic genes’ after mitogen stimulation and during normal cell cycle progression

Mitogenic stimulation of quiescent cells not only triggers the cell division cycle but also induces an increase in cell volume, associated with an activation of cellular metabolism. It is therefore likely that genes encoding enzymes and other proteins involved in energy metabolism and biosynthetic pathways represent a major class of mitogen-induced genes. In the present study, we investigated in the non-established human fibroblast line WI-38 the induction by mitogens of 17 genes whose products play a role in different metabolic processes. We show that these genes fall into 4 different categories, i.e. non-induced genes, immediate early (IE) primary genes, delayed early (DE) secondary genes and late genes reaching peak levels in S-phase. In addition, we have analysed the regulation of these genes during normal cell cycle progression, using HL-60 cells separated by counterflow elutriation. A clear cell cycle regulation was seen with those genes that are induced in S-phase, i.e. thymidine kinase, thymidylate synthase and dihydrofolate reductase. In addition, two DE genes showed a cell cycle dependent expression. Ornithine decarboxylase mRNA increased around mid-G1, reaching maximum levels in S/G2, while hexokinase mRNA expression was highest in early G1. In contrast, the expression of other DE and IE genes did not fluctuate during the cell cycle, a result that was confirmed with elutriated WI-38 and serum-stimulated HL-60 cells. These observations suggest that G0-->S and G1-->S transition are distinct processes, exhibiting characteristic programmes of gene regulation, and merging around S-phase entry.

The transcription factor E2F-1 mediates the autoregulation of RB gene expression

The retinoblastoma (RB) gene is the prototype tumor suppressor gene. Mutations in this gene are often associated with the occurrence of various tumors. Several mutations have been found in the promoter region of the gene, suggesting that inappropriate transcriptional regulation of the RB gene contributes to tumorigenesis. Sequence analysis of the RB promoter has revealed a potential E2F recognition site within a region critical for RB gene transcription. By using the cloned E2F-1 gene, here we report that (i) RB expression is negatively regulated by its own gene product, (ii) E2F-1 binds specifically to an E2F recognition sequence in the RB promoter and transactivates the RB promoter, (iii) overexpression of RB suppresses E2F-1-mediated stimulation of RB promoter activity, and (iv) the expression of the RB gene is paralleled by the expression of the E2F-1 gene during cell cycle progression. These results demonstrate that expression of RB is negatively autoregulated through E2F-1.

Into and out of G1: the control of cell proliferation

Progression of cells through G1 is an orderly process which is regulated by a series of key proteins. Over the past few years a number of these proteins have been identified and their mode of action has been studied in detail. This review will concentrate on the current knowledge about the function in G1 of cyclins, cyclin dependent kinases, the retinoblastoma protein and other related 'pocket' proteins. Mutations or deregulation of some of these proteins confer a growth advantage and their role in malignant transformation will be discussed.

DNA sequence requirements for transcriptional initiator activity in mammalian cells

A transcriptional initiator (Inr) for mammalian RNA polymerase II can be defined as a DNA sequence element that overlaps a transcription start site and is sufficient for (i) determining the start site location in a promoter that lacks a TATA box and (ii) enhancing the strength of a promoter that contains a TATA box. We have prepared synthetic promoters containing random nucleotides downstream of Sp1 binding sites to determine the range of DNA sequences that convey Inr activity. Numerous sequences behaved as functional Inrs in an in vitro transcription assay, but the Inr activities varied dramatically. An examination of the functional elements revealed loose but consistent sequence requirements, with the approximate consensus sequence Py Py A+1 N T/A Py Py. Most importantly, almost every functional Inr that has been described fits into the consensus sequence that we have defined. Although several proteins have been reported to bind to specific Inrs, manipulation of those elements failed to correlate protein binding with Inr activity. The simplest model to explain these results is that all or most Inrs are recognized by a universal binding protein, similar to the functional recognition of all TATA sequences by the same TATA-binding protein. The previously reported proteins that bind near specific Inr elements may augment the strength of an Inr or may impart transcriptional regulation through an Inr.

Molecular mechanisms of radiation oncogenesis

Resolving the molecular mechanisms of radiation oncogenesis represents an important but daunting challenge in radiation research. This brief review outlines the principal oncogenic mechanisms that need to be considered in the context of radiation effects on the genome, how these might relate to specific gene and chromosomal changes relevant to neoplasia and the possible implications of such knowledge for the modelling of cancer risk. The long-term application of this mechanistic knowledge to the determination of tumour causality and for the assessment of individual cancer risk is also briefly discussed.

Tumor suppressor genes and their roles in breast cancer

Tumor suppressor genes have been identified by the occurrence of mutations in many families with hereditary forms of cancer, exposed during development of the tumor by loss of heterozygosity. They have a number of diverse functions. For example, both the RB gene of retinoblastoma and the p53 gene, which is commonly mutated in breast and colon cancer among others, produce proteins involved in distinct steps of cell cycle control, while the nm23 product prevents metastasis. Here we review the data developed until now on the possible presence and role of mutations in these and other tumor suppressor genes in breast cancer. A more complete understanding of the tumor suppressor genes could not only provide diagnostic information, but could lead to specific gene therapy to replace suppressor functions lost in individual tumors.

Binding to DNA and the retinoblastoma gene product promoted by complex formation of different E2F family members

The E2F family of transcription factors functions in the control of the mammalian cell cycle. Here it is shown that two family members, E2F-1 and DP-1, form specific heterodimers in vivo, a process that enhances DNA binding, transactivation, and the binding of the retinoblastoma gene product. These results suggest that heterodimerization regulates E2F function and contributes to cell cycle control.

Altered regulation of G1 cyclins in senescent human diploid fibroblasts: accumulation of inactive cyclin E-Cdk2 and cyclin D1-Cdk2 complexes

Senescent human diploid fibroblasts are unable to enter S phase in response to mitogenic stimulation. One of the key deficiencies in mitogen-stimulated senescent cells is their failure to phosphorylate the retinoblastoma protein, which acts as an inhibitor of entry into S phase in its unphosphorylated form. Recent data suggest that cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) regulated by G1 cyclins (D type and E) are responsible for the primary phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein prior to the G1/S boundary. Surprisingly, we found 10- to 15-fold higher constitutive amounts of both cyclin E and cyclin D1 in senescent cells compared to quiescent early-passage cells. Nevertheless, cyclin E-associated kinase activity in senescent cells was very low and did not increase significantly upon mitogenic stimulation even though cyclin E-Cdk2 complexes were abundant. In contrast to early-passage cells in late G1 phase, senescent cells contained mainly underphosphorylated cyclin E and proportionally more unphosphorylated and inactive Cdk2, perhaps accounting for the low kinase activity. We also show that a majority of the Cdk2 in senescent cells, but not in early-passage cells, was complexed with cyclin D1. Cyclin D1-Cdk2 complexes, severalfold enriched in senescent cells, contained exclusively unphosphorylated Cdk2. Amounts of cyclin A, which ordinarily accumulates in S and G2 phases, were extremely low in stimulated senescent cells. We suggest that the failure to activate cyclin E-Cdk2 kinase activity in senescent cells may account for the inability of these cells to phosphorylate the retinoblastoma protein in late G1 phase, which in turn may block the expression of late G1 genes such as cyclin A that are required for entry into S phase.

Cellular oncogenes and suppressor genes as prognostic markers in cancer

Activation of cellular or c-oncogenes and loss of function of suppressor genes appears to be the key event in the formation of most human cancers. Altered forms of these genes or their protein products have the potential to provide a new generation of cancer markers. As cancer markers, the most useful application of c-oncogenes and suppressor genes so far, has been in providing prognostic information. The correlation of N-myc gene amplification with poor prognosis in neuroblastoma was one of the first examples of prognostic data supplied by a c-oncogene. Most, but not all investigators, find that either amplification or increased expression of c-erbB-2 gene correlates with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Other potential prognostic markers in breast cancer include amplification of the c-myc gene, and increased expression of both EGFR and p53 protein. Although c-oncogenes and suppressor genes have the potential to supply prognostic information in a broad range of cancers, many of the results are still preliminary with conflicting conclusions.

Independent regions of adenovirus E1A are required for binding to and dissociation of E2F-protein complexes

The transcription factor E2F is present in independent complexes with the product of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene, pRB, and a related gene product, p107, in association with the cyclin A-cdk2 or the cyclin E-cdk2 kinase complex. pRB and p107 can negatively regulate E2F activity, since overexpression of pRB or p107 in cells lacking a functional pRB leads to the repression of E2F activity. The products of the adenovirus E1A gene can disrupt E2F complexes and result in free and presumably active E2F transcription factor. The regions of E1A required for this function are also essential for binding to a number of cellular proteins, including pRB and p107. Through the use of a number of glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins representing different regions of E1A, as well as in vivo expression of E1A proteins containing deletions of either conserved region 1 (CR1) or CR2, we find that CR2 of E1A can form stable complexes with E2F. E1A proteins containing both CR1 and CR2 also associate with E2F, although the presence of these proteins results in the release of free E2F from its complexes. In vitro reconstitution experiments indicate that E1A-E2F interactions are not direct and that pRB can serve to facilitate these interactions. Complexes containing E1A, p107, cyclin A, and E2F were identified in vivo, which indicates that E1A may associate with E2F through either p107 or pRB. Peptide competition experiments demonstrate that the pRB-binding domain of the human E2F-1 protein can compete with the CR1 but not CR2 domain of E1A for binding to pRB. These results indicate that E1A CR1 and E2F-1 may bind to the same or overlapping sites on pRB and that E1A CR2 binds to an independent region. On the basis of our results, we propose a two-step model for the release of E2F from pRB and p107 cellular proteins.

Analysis of p107-associated proteins: p107 associates with a form of E2F that differs from pRB-associated E2F-1

The binding of viral oncogenes to cellular proteins is thought to modulate the activities of these cellular targets. The p107 protein is targeted by many viral proteins, including adenovirus E1A, simian virus 40 large T antigen, and human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein. A panel of monoclonal antibodies against p107 was raised and used to identify cellular proteins that interact with the p107 protein in vivo. p107-associated proteins included cyclin A, cyclin E, and cdk2. In addition, p107 was found to associate with 62- to 65- and 50-kDa phosphoproteins in ML-1 cells, a human myeloid leukemia cell line. The 62- to 65-kDa proteins have many of the properties of the transcription factor E2F but were distinguished from pRB-associated E2F-1 by both immunologic and biochemical properties.

Cloning and characterization of E2F-2, a novel protein with the biochemical properties of transcription factor E2F

E2F is a mammalian transcription factor that appears to play an important role in cell cycle regulation. While at least two proteins (E2F-1 and DP-1) with E2F-like activity have been cloned, studies from several laboratories suggest that additional homologs may exist. A novel protein with E2F-like properties, designated E2F-2, was cloned by screening a HeLa cDNA library with a DNA probe derived from the DNA binding domain of E2F-1 (K. Helin, J. A. Lees, M. Vidal, N. Dyson, E. Harlow, and A. Fattaey, Cell 70:337-350, 1992). E2F-2 exhibits overall 46% amino acid identity to E2F-1. Both the sequence and the function of the DNA and retinoblastoma gene product binding domains of E2F-1 are conserved in E2F-2. The DNA binding activity of E2F-2 is dramatically enhanced by complementation with particular sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis-purified components of HeLa cell E2F, and anti-E2F-2 antibodies cross-react with components of purified HeLa cell E2F. These observations are consistent with a model in which E2F binds DNA as a heterodimer of two distinct proteins, and E2F-2 is functionally and immunologically related to one of these proteins.

Adenovirus genes that modulate the sensitivity of virus-infected cells to lysis by TNF

TNF is a key inflammatory cytokine with antiviral properties. Human adenoviruses encode several intracellular proteins that mediate the effects of TNF. Expression of the adenovirus immediate early E1A proteins induces viral genes and a host of cellular genes, drives G0 cells into S-phase, and induces apoptosis and susceptibility to TNF-induced apoptosis. The adenovirus E1B-19K protein inhibits both E1A- and TNF-induced apoptosis. The E3-14.7K protein and the E3-10.4K/14.5K complex of proteins inhibit TNF- but not E1A-induced apoptosis. The E3 14.7K and 10.4K/14.5K proteins inhibit TNF activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), which may explain how they inhibit TNF cytolysis. Since eicosinoids produced from arachidonic acid (the product of cPLA2) are potent mediators of inflammation, the E3 proteins may block the inflammatory response to adenovirus infection. These adenovirus proteins should be novel tools to understand adenovirus pathogenesis, TNF signal transduction, and TNF cytolysis.

Induction of gene expression by exon 2 of the major E1A proteins of adenovirus type 5

We have constructed an adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) E1A mutant, dl1119/520, that produces essentially only exon 2 of the major E1A proteins. In infected primary baby rat kidney cells, this mutant induced expression of the E1B 55-kDa protein, and in infected human KB cells, it induced expression of this protein, the E2A 72-kDa protein, and hexon. In KB cells, this mutant grew substantially better than Ad5 dl312, which lacks E1A, and as well as Ad5 dl520, an E1A mutant producing only the 243-residue protein. These results suggest that exon 2 of E1A proteins on its own was able to activate gene expression. We also constructed mutants of dl1119/520, containing small deletions in regions of exon 2 that others found to be associated with effects on the properties of E1A transformants. None of these deletions destroyed gene activation completely, indicating that there may be some redundancy among sequences in exon 2 for inducing gene expression. The two deletions that decreased induction the most, residues 224 to 238 and 255 to 270, were in regions reported to be associated with the expression of a metalloprotease and with enhanced transformation, suggesting that exon 2 may regulate expression of genes governing cell growth. It is remarkable that all sections of E1A proteins, exon 1, the unique region, and exon 2, have now been found to affect gene expression.

The retinoblastoma protein binds to a family of E2F transcription factors

E2F is a transcription factor that helps regulate the expression of a number of genes that are important in cell proliferation. Recently, several laboratories have isolated a cDNA clone that encodes an E2F-like protein, known as E2F-1. Subsequent characterization of this protein showed that it had the properties of E2F, but it was difficult to account for all of the suggested E2F activities through the function of this one protein. Using low-stringency hybridization, we have isolated cDNA clones that encode two additional E2F-like proteins, called E2F-2 and E2F-3. The chromosomal locations of the genes for E2F-2 and E2F-3 were mapped to 1p36 and 6q22, respectfully, confirming their independence from E2F-1. However, the E2F-2 and E2F-3 proteins are closely related to E2F-1. Both E2F-2 and E2F-3 bound to wild-type but not mutant E2F recognition sites, and they bound specifically to the retinoblastoma protein in vivo. Finally, E2F-2 and E2F-3 were able to activate transcription of E2F-responsive genes in a manner that was dependent upon the presence of at least one functional E2F binding site. These observations suggest that the E2F activities described previously result from the combined action of a family of proteins.

Rapamycin inhibits p34cdc2 expression and arrests T lymphocyte proliferation at the G1/S transition

Rapamycin, a potent immunosuppressant and antifungal agent, inhibits an evolutionarily conserved mechanism regulating cell cycle progression. In an interleukin-2 (IL-2) dependent murine T cell, we demonstrate that rapamycin arrested T cells prior to the entry into S-phase of the cell cycle and that rapamycin inhibited the IL-2-stimulated expression of p34cdc2, a serine/threonine kinase that is required for cells to progress through the cell cycle. The mechanism of action of rapamycin appeared specific since the structural analogue and immunosuppressant FK506 had no effect on the progression of the cells through S-phase or the expression of p34cdc2. These results demonstrate a rapamycin-sensitive IL-2-dependent signaling pathway in T cells and suggest that the immunosuppressive properties of rapamycin are mediated by impinging on the IL-2-induced T cell expression of p34cdc2.

Identification of distinct roles for separate E1A domains in disruption of E2F complexes

The adenovirus E1A protein can disrupt protein complexes containing the E2F transcription factor in association with cellular regulatory proteins such as the retinoblastoma gene product (Rb) and the Rb-related p107 protein. Previous experiments have shown that the CR1 and CR2 domains of E1A are required for this activity. We now demonstrate that the CR2 domain is essential for allowing E1A to interact with the E2F-Rb or the E2F-p107-cyclin A-cdk2 complex. Multimeric complexes containing E1A can be detected when the CR1 domain has been rendered inactive by mutation. In addition, the E1A CR1 domain, but not the CR2 domain, is sufficient to prevent the interaction of E2F with Rb or p107. On the basis of these results, we suggest a model whereby the CR2 domain brings E1A to the E2F complexes and then, upon a normal equilibrium dissociation of Rb or p107 from E2F, the E1A CR1 domain is able to block the site of interaction on Rb or p107, thereby preventing the re-formation of the complexes.

The retinoblastoma protein binds E2F residues required for activation in vivo and TBP binding in vitro

The retinoblastoma (RB) tumour suppressor protein is capable of repressing the activity of promoters containing DNA binding sites for the transcription factor E2F. Recently a protein which binds RB and possesses the DNA binding characteristics of E2F has been cloned. Here we show that the E2F activation domain is the target for RB-induced repression. RB can silence the 57 residue E2F activation domain but cannot effectively repress an E2F mutant which has reduced RB binding capacity. Extensive mutagenesis of E2F shows residues involved in RB binding are required for transcription activation. Mutations which affect both functions most dramatically lie within the minimal RB binding region. A further subset of sensitive residues lies within a new repeat motif E/DF XX L X P which flanks the minimum RB binding site. These data show that RB can mask E2F residues involved in the activation process, possibly by mimicking a component of the transcriptional machinery. Consistent with this model, we find that the TATA box binding protein TBP can bind to the E2F activation domain in vitro in a manner indistinguishable from that of RB.

A Drosophila G1-specific cyclin E homolog exhibits different modes of expression during embryogenesis

We have isolated a Drosophila homolog of the human G1-specific cyclin E gene. Cyclin E proteins thus constitute an evolutionarily conserved subfamily of metazoan cyclins. The Drosophila cyclin E gene, DmcycE, encodes two proteins with a common C-terminal region and unique N-terminal regions. Unlike other Drosophila cyclins, DmcycE exhibits a dynamic pattern of expression during development. DmcycE is supplied maternally, but at the completion of the cleavage divisions and prior to mitosis 14, the maternal transcripts are rapidly degraded in all cells except the pole (germ) cells. Two modes of DmcycE expression are observed in the subsequent divisions. During cycles 14, 15 and 16 in non-neural cells, DmcycE mRNA levels show no cell-cycle-associated variation. DmcycE expression in these cells is therefore independent of the cell cycle phase. In contrast, expression in proliferating embryonic peripheral nervous system cells occurs during interphase as a brief pulse that initiates before and overlaps with S phase, demonstrating the presence of a G1 phase in these embryonic neural cell cycles. DmcycE appears not to be expressed in cells that undergo endoreplication cycles during polytenization. The structural homology to human cyclin E, the ability of DmcycE to rescue a G1 cyclin-deficient yeast strain, the presence of multiple PEST sequences characteristic of G1-specific cyclins and expression during G1 phase in proliferating peripheral nervous system cells all argue that Drosophila cyclin E is a G1 cyclin. Constitutive DmcycE expression in embryonic cycles lacking a G1 phase, in contrast to expression during the G1-S phase transition in cycles exhibiting a G1 phase, implicates DmcycE expression in the regulation of the G1 to S phase transition during Drosophila embryogenesis.

Identification of distinct roles for separate E1A domains in disruption of E2F complexes

The adenovirus E1A protein can disrupt protein complexes containing the E2F transcription factor in association with cellular regulatory proteins such as the retinoblastoma gene product (Rb) and the Rb-related p107 protein. Previous experiments have shown that the CR1 and CR2 domains of E1A are required for this activity. We now demonstrate that the CR2 domain is essential for allowing E1A to interact with the E2F-Rb or the E2F-p107-cyclin A-cdk2 complex. Multimeric complexes containing E1A can be detected when the CR1 domain has been rendered inactive by mutation. In addition, the E1A CR1 domain, but not the CR2 domain, is sufficient to prevent the interaction of E2F with Rb or p107. On the basis of these results, we suggest a model whereby the CR2 domain brings E1A to the E2F complexes and then, upon a normal equilibrium dissociation of Rb or p107 from E2F, the E1A CR1 domain is able to block the site of interaction on Rb or p107, thereby preventing the re-formation of the complexes.

Identification of an oncoprotein- and UV-responsive protein kinase that binds and potentiates the c-Jun activation domain

The activity of c-Jun is regulated by phosphorylation. Various stimuli including transforming oncogenes and UV light, induce phosphorylation of serines 63 and 73 in the amino-terminal activation domain of c-Jun and thereby potentiate its trans-activation function. We identified a serine/threonine kinase whose activity is stimulated by the same signals that stimulate the amino-terminal phosphorylation of c-Jun. This novel c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK), whose major form is 46 kD, binds to a specific region within the c-Jun trans-activation domain and phosphorylates serines 63 and 73. Phosphorylation results in dissociation of the c-Jun-JNK complex. Mutations that disrupt the kinase-binding site attenuate the response of c-Jun to Ha-Ras and UV. Therefore the binding of JNK to c-Jun is of regulatory importance and suggests a mechanism through which protein kinase cascades can specifically modulate the activity of distinct nuclear targets.

A genetic analysis of the E2F1 gene distinguishes regulation by Rb, p107, and adenovirus E4

The cellular transcription factor E2F appears to be a target for the regulatory action of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene product. The recent isolation of the E2F1 cDNA clone, which encodes a polypeptide with properties characteristic of E2F, has now allowed a more detailed analysis of the regulation of E2F function by Rb as well as the Rb-related p107 protein and the adenovirus 19-kDa E4 gene product. Previous experiments have shown that each of these regulatory proteins can modulate the activity of cellular E2F. We find that each of these regulatory events can be mediated through the E2F1 product. Moreover, an examination of various E2F1 mutations reveals distinct specificities for these regulatory proteins. For instance, the ability of E4 to alter E2F1 function is dependent upon sequences within a putative leucine repeat of E2F1 as well as within the C-terminal acidic domain. In contrast, the leucine repeat element was not important for Rb- or p107-mediated inhibition of E2F1 activity. Although the C-terminal acidic domain of E2F1, previously shown to be important for Rb binding, appears to be a site for regulation of E2F1 by Rb and p107, point mutations within this region distinguish recognition by Rb and p107. These results underscore the complexity of E2F regulatory interactions and also demonstrate a qualitative distinction in the interactions of Rb and p107 with E2F1, perhaps reflective of functional differences.

Association of the human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein with the S-phase-specific E2F-cyclin A complex

The transcription factor E2F has been shown to be involved in the expression of several cell cycle-regulated genes, and the activity of this factor is controlled by cellular proteins such as pRB and p107. E2F is also a target of the DNA virus oncoproteins (adenovirus E1A, simian virus 40 T antigen, and human papillomavirus [HPV] E7) (see the review by J. R. Nevins [Science 258: 424-429, 1992]). These viral oncoproteins dissociate an inactive complex between E2F and the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB), and this dissociation of the E2F-pRB complex correlates with a stimulation of the E2F-dependent transcription. In the S phase of the cell cycle, E2F forms a complex with p107, cyclin A, and the cdk2 kinase (E2F-cyclin A complex). The cellular function of this S-phase-specific complex is unclear. The adenovirus E1A protein dissociates the E2F-cyclin A complex. The HPV type 16 (HPV-16) E7 protein, which possesses significant sequence homology with E1A, does not dissociate the E2F-cyclin A complex. We find that the HPV-16 E7 protein associates very efficiently with the E2F-cyclin A complex. This association is dependent on the sequences that are also necessary for the transforming activity of E7. Moreover, the E7 protein of a low-risk HPV (type 6b) is much less efficient in binding to the E2F-cyclin A complex compared with that of the high-risk type. We also find that the E2F-cyclin A complex remains endogenously associated with the E7 protein in extracts of Caski cells, which express high levels of HPV-16 E7 protein. Finally, we have extensively purified the E2F-cyclin A complex from mouse L-cell extracts and show that, in cell extracts, the E2F-cyclin A complex remains associated with other cellular proteins.

Inhibition of E2F-1 transactivation by direct binding of the retinoblastoma protein

Loss of a functional retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene product, pRB, is a key step in the development of many human tumors. pRB is a negative regulator of cell proliferation and appears to participate in control of entry into the S phase of the cell cycle. The recent demonstration that pRB binds to transcription factor E2F has provided a model for the mechanism of pRB-mediated growth regulation. Since adenovirus E1A proteins dissociate the pRB-E2F complexes and stimulate E2F-dependent transcription, it has been suggested that pRB inhibits E2F transactivation. Although some evidence for this hypothesis has been provided, it has not been possible to determine the mechanism of pRB-mediated inhibition of E2F transactivation. In this study, we constructed mutants of E2F-1 that do not bind to pRB yet retain the ability to transactivate the adenovirus E2 promoter through E2F DNA-binding sites. We demonstrated that transactivation mediated by the wild-type E2F-1 protein was inhibited by overexpression of wild-type pRB but not by a naturally occurring mutant of pRB. Transactivation mediated by mutants of E2F-1 which do not bind to pRB was not affected by overexpression of wild-type pRB. Furthermore, when the E2F-1 transactivation domain was fused to the GAL4 DNA-binding domain, pRB inhibited GAL4-E2F-1 transactivation through GAL4 sites. Expression of pRB did not inhibit transactivation mediated by GAL4-E2F-1 mutant constructs which were devoid of pRB binding. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that pRB inhibits E2F-dependent transactivation by direct protein-protein interaction.

Tumor necrosis factor-induced c-myc expression in the absence of mitogenesis is associated with inhibition of adipocyte differentiation

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibits and reverses differentiation of mouse adipogenic TA1 cells. We have found that TNF induces c-myc in a sustained manner in both preadipocytes and adipocytes; in contrast, serum induces c-myc transiently and only in preadipocytes. This TNF-mediated c-myc induction is not coupled with cell proliferation but is correlated with TNF-mediated inhibition of adipocyte differentiation. We prepared an inducible c-myc transformant of TA1 cells by transfection of the mouse c-myc gene under the control of the metallothionein-I promoter. These cells are unable to differentiate to adipocytes in the presence of Zn2+/Cd2+, and in differentiated TA1 cells, Zn2+/Cd2+ causes reduction of adipocyte-specific gene expression as does TNF. Lastly, exposure of TA1 cells to antisense c-myc oligonucleotide partially blocked the TNF-mediated reduction of adipocyte-specific gene expression. Thus, TNF-mediated c-myc expression is distinct in character from that involved in mitogenic responses but appears to play an important role in inhibition and reversal of adipocyte differentiation.

Association of the human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein with the S-phase-specific E2F-cyclin A complex

The transcription factor E2F has been shown to be involved in the expression of several cell cycle-regulated genes, and the activity of this factor is controlled by cellular proteins such as pRB and p107. E2F is also a target of the DNA virus oncoproteins (adenovirus E1A, simian virus 40 T antigen, and human papillomavirus [HPV] E7) (see the review by J. R. Nevins [Science 258: 424-429, 1992]). These viral oncoproteins dissociate an inactive complex between E2F and the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB), and this dissociation of the E2F-pRB complex correlates with a stimulation of the E2F-dependent transcription. In the S phase of the cell cycle, E2F forms a complex with p107, cyclin A, and the cdk2 kinase (E2F-cyclin A complex). The cellular function of this S-phase-specific complex is unclear. The adenovirus E1A protein dissociates the E2F-cyclin A complex. The HPV type 16 (HPV-16) E7 protein, which possesses significant sequence homology with E1A, does not dissociate the E2F-cyclin A complex. We find that the HPV-16 E7 protein associates very efficiently with the E2F-cyclin A complex. This association is dependent on the sequences that are also necessary for the transforming activity of E7. Moreover, the E7 protein of a low-risk HPV (type 6b) is much less efficient in binding to the E2F-cyclin A complex compared with that of the high-risk type. We also find that the E2F-cyclin A complex remains endogenously associated with the E7 protein in extracts of Caski cells, which express high levels of HPV-16 E7 protein. Finally, we have extensively purified the E2F-cyclin A complex from mouse L-cell extracts and show that, in cell extracts, the E2F-cyclin A complex remains associated with other cellular proteins.

A genetic analysis of the E2F1 gene distinguishes regulation by Rb, p107, and adenovirus E4

The cellular transcription factor E2F appears to be a target for the regulatory action of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene product. The recent isolation of the E2F1 cDNA clone, which encodes a polypeptide with properties characteristic of E2F, has now allowed a more detailed analysis of the regulation of E2F function by Rb as well as the Rb-related p107 protein and the adenovirus 19-kDa E4 gene product. Previous experiments have shown that each of these regulatory proteins can modulate the activity of cellular E2F. We find that each of these regulatory events can be mediated through the E2F1 product. Moreover, an examination of various E2F1 mutations reveals distinct specificities for these regulatory proteins. For instance, the ability of E4 to alter E2F1 function is dependent upon sequences within a putative leucine repeat of E2F1 as well as within the C-terminal acidic domain. In contrast, the leucine repeat element was not important for Rb- or p107-mediated inhibition of E2F1 activity. Although the C-terminal acidic domain of E2F1, previously shown to be important for Rb binding, appears to be a site for regulation of E2F1 by Rb and p107, point mutations within this region distinguish recognition by Rb and p107. These results underscore the complexity of E2F regulatory interactions and also demonstrate a qualitative distinction in the interactions of Rb and p107 with E2F1, perhaps reflective of functional differences.

Inhibition of E2F-1 transactivation by direct binding of the retinoblastoma protein

Loss of a functional retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene product, pRB, is a key step in the development of many human tumors. pRB is a negative regulator of cell proliferation and appears to participate in control of entry into the S phase of the cell cycle. The recent demonstration that pRB binds to transcription factor E2F has provided a model for the mechanism of pRB-mediated growth regulation. Since adenovirus E1A proteins dissociate the pRB-E2F complexes and stimulate E2F-dependent transcription, it has been suggested that pRB inhibits E2F transactivation. Although some evidence for this hypothesis has been provided, it has not been possible to determine the mechanism of pRB-mediated inhibition of E2F transactivation. In this study, we constructed mutants of E2F-1 that do not bind to pRB yet retain the ability to transactivate the adenovirus E2 promoter through E2F DNA-binding sites. We demonstrated that transactivation mediated by the wild-type E2F-1 protein was inhibited by overexpression of wild-type pRB but not by a naturally occurring mutant of pRB. Transactivation mediated by mutants of E2F-1 which do not bind to pRB was not affected by overexpression of wild-type pRB. Furthermore, when the E2F-1 transactivation domain was fused to the GAL4 DNA-binding domain, pRB inhibited GAL4-E2F-1 transactivation through GAL4 sites. Expression of pRB did not inhibit transactivation mediated by GAL4-E2F-1 mutant constructs which were devoid of pRB binding. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that pRB inhibits E2F-dependent transactivation by direct protein-protein interaction.

Viral immunopathology of human tumors

Virally induced tumors provide the strongest case of host surveillance against neoplastic cells and their precursors. Human cancers associated with Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B virus, papilloma virus and human T cell leukemia virus infection are responsible for approximately 15-20% of the total incidence of cancer world-wide. Current work in each of these virus/tumor systems seeks to understand the mechanisms of viral action and to identify strategies of immune intervention that may allow us to prevent viral infection or to control its potentially life-threatening consequences.

Heterodimerization of the transcription factors E2F-1 and DP-1 leads to cooperative trans-activation

The E2F transcription factor has been implicated in the regulation of genes whose products are involved in cell proliferation. Two proteins have recently been identified with E2F-like properties. One of these proteins, E2F-1, has been shown to mediate E2F-dependent trans-activation and to bind the hypophosphorylated form of the retinoblastoma protein (pRB). The other protein, murine DP-1, was purified from an E2F DNA-affinity column, and it was subsequently shown to bind the consensus E2F DNA-binding site. To study a possible interaction between E2F-1 and DP-1, we have now isolated a cDNA for the human homolog of DP-1. Human DP-1 and E2F-1 associate both in vivo and in vitro, and this interaction leads to enhanced binding to E2F DNA-binding sites. The association of E2F-1 and DP-1 leads to cooperative activation of an E2F-responsive promoter. Finally, we demonstrate that E2F-1 and DP-1 association is required for stable interaction with pRB in vivo and that trans-activation by E2F-1/DP-1 heterodimers is inhibited by pRB. We suggest that "E2F" is the activity that is formed when an E2F-1-related protein and a DP-1-related protein dimerize.

Reversal of terminal differentiation and control of DNA replication: cyclin A and Cdk2 specifically localize at subnuclear sites of DNA replication

DNA replication in mammalian cells occurs in discrete nuclear foci. Here we show that terminally differentiated myotubes can be induced to reenter S phase and show the same pattern of replication foci as cycling cells. We used this cellular system to analyze the interaction of cell cycle proteins with these foci in vivo. Cyclin A and cdk2, but not cyclin B1 and cdc2, were specifically localized at nuclear replication foci, just like the replication protein proliferating cell nuclear antigen. A potential target of cyclin A and cdk2 is the 34 kd subunit of replication protein A (RPA34). In contrast with the 70 kd subunit, which localizes to the foci, RPA34 was not detected at these replication sites, which may reflect a transient interaction. The specific localization of cyclin A and cdk2 at nuclear replication foci provides a direct link between cell cycle regulation and DNA replication.

Repeated CT elements bound by zinc finger proteins control the absolute and relative activities of the two principal human c-myc promoters

Transcription of the human proto-oncogene c-myc is governed by two tandem principal promoters, termed P1 and P2. In general, the downstream promoter, P2, is predominant, which is in contrast to the promoter occlusion phenomenon usually observed in genes containing tandem promoters. A shift in human c-myc promoter usage has been observed in some tumor cells and in certain physiological conditions. However, the mechanisms that regulate promoter usage are not well understood. The present studies identify regulators which are required to promote transcription from both human c-myc promoters, P1 and P2, and have a role in determining their relative activities in vivo. A novel regulatory region located 101 bp upstream of P1 was characterized and contains five tandem repeats of the consensus sequence CCCTCCCC (CT element). The integrity of the region containing all five elements is required to promote transcription from P1 and for maximal activity from P2 in vivo. A single copy of this same element, designated CT-I2, also appears in an inverted orientation 53 bp upstream of the P2 transcription start site. This element has an inhibitory effect on P1 transcription and is required for P2 transcription. The transcription factor Sp1 was identified as the factor that binds specifically to the tandem CT elements upstream of P1 and to the CT-I2 element upstream of P2. In addition, the recently cloned zinc finger protein ZF87, or MAZ, was also able to bind these same elements in vitro. The five tandem CT elements can be functionally replaced by a heterologous enhancer that only in the absence of CT-I2 reverses the promoter usage, similar to what is observed in the translocated c-myc allele of Burkitt's lymphoma cells.

Expression of transcription factor E2F1 induces quiescent cells to enter S phase

Several lines of evidence implicate the E2F transcription factor as an important component of cell proliferation control. First, E2F binding sites are found in the promoters of genes responsive to proliferation signals and the level of E2F binding activity increases at a time when many of these genes are activated. Second, the tumour suppressor protein Rb, as well as the related p107 protein, complexes with E2F, resulting in an inhibition of E2F transcriptional activity. Third, oncogenic products of the DNA tumour viruses can dissociate these E2F complexes. We provide here direct evidence that E2F is involved in cellular proliferation control. Specifically, we demonstrate that overexpression of the E2F1 complementary DNA can activate DNA synthesis in cells that would otherwise growth-arrest, with an efficiency that is similar to that achieved by the expression of the adenovirus E1A gene. Moreover, microinjection of the E2F1 cDNA into quiescent cells can induce S-phase entry, whereas two E2F1 mutants, which are unable to transactivate the DHFR and TK promoters, are unable to induce S phase. We conclude that the E2F transcription factor plays an important role in progression into S phase and that this probably coincides with its capacity to stimulate transcription.

Interferons and interleukin-6 suppress the DNA-binding activity of E2F in growth-sensitive hematopoietic cells

Transcription factor E2F binds to cellular promoters of certain growth- and cell cycle-controlling genes and forms distinct heteromeric complexes with other nuclear proteins. We show here that alpha and beta interferons (alpha, beta) and interleukin-6 abolished the E2F-containing DNA-binding complexes in Daudi Burkitt lymphoma cells and in M1 myeloblastic cells, which responded to the cytokines by suppression of c-myc transcription. Time kinetics studies showed that the abolishment of E2F complexes coincided with reduction of c-myc expression and that both molecular events preceded the cell cycle block in G0/G1 phase. In contrast, the pattern of E2F complexes remained unchanged in an interferon-treated growth-resistant Daudi cell mutant that displayed relaxed regulation of c-myc. All of the DNA-binding E2F complexes, including those containing the retinoblastoma protein (pRB), cyclin A-p33cdk2, and the free forms of E2F, were reduced by interferons or interleukin-6. Their abolishment was unperturbed by pharmacological treatments that alleviated the cyclin A and pRB responses to interferon. Thus, changes in cyclin A expression and pRB phosphorylation are not primary events that influence the pattern of E2F responses to cytokines. Addition of EDTA to cell extracts of interferon-treated Daudi cells restored the DNA-binding activity of E2F, resulting in the appearance of a single E2F complex that exclusively contained pRB. It is suggested that the regulation of E2F by growth-inhibitory cytokines that induce cell cycle exit takes place at the level of the DNA-binding activity, and by that mean it differs basically from the phase-specific regulation of E2F in cycling cells.