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 th e mammalian cell cycle. Here it is shown that two family members, E2F- 1 and DP-1, form specific heterodimers in vivo, a process that enhance s 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.