The RB family of cell cycle regulatory factors

The intense investigation of the retinoblastoma "tumor suppressor family" m embers, pRb, pRb2/p130, and p107, has revealed impressive mechanisms evolve d to safeguard development and homeostasis in higher eukaryotes. Members of the retinoblastoma family are involved in implementing and controlling thr ee major aspects of cellular life: (1) proliferative growth, (2) differenti ation, and (3) apoptosis. The activities of these proteins are highly regul ated, enabling them to precisely establish control. The pRb protein is well understood in its regulatory abilities and is considered a classical tumor suppressor. The role of pRb2/p130 protein in growth suppression and its po tential as a tumor suppressor have been established during the last few yea rs. The p107 protein, structurally and functionally similar to, but yet dis tinctive from, pRb2/p130, is characterized at a more rudimentary level. In this report, we review the latest data on the retinoblastoma protein family and its web of regulatory mechanisms. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppls. 30/31:30-3 6, 1998. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.