Tumor induction and tissue atrophy in mice lacking E2F-1

Lili Yamasaki, Tyler Jacks, Roderick Bronson, Evelyne Goillot, Ed Harlow, Nicholas J. Dyson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

654 Scopus citations

Abstract

The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB) is a transcriptional repressor that regulates gene expression by physically associating with transcription factors such as E2F family members. Although pRB and its upstream regulators are commonly mutated in human cancer, the physiological role of the pRB-E2F pathway is unknown. To address the function of E2F-1 and pRB/E2F-1 complexes in vivo, we have produced mice homozygous for a nonfunctional E2F-1 allele. Mice lacking E2F-1 are viable and fertile, yet experience testicular atrophy and exocrine gland dysplasia. Surprisingly, mice lacking E2F-1 develop a broad and unusual spectrum of tumors. Although overexpression of E2F-1 in tissue culture cells can stimulate cell proliferation and be oncogenic, loss of E2F-1 in mice results in tumorigenesis, demonstrating that E2F-1 also functions as a tumor suppressor.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)537-548
Number of pages12
JournalCell
Volume85
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1996
Externally publishedYes

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