Analysis of tumor-derived mutations has led to the suggestion that p16(INK4
a), cyclin D1, cdk4, and the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) are components of
a regulatory pathway that is inactivated in most tumor cells. Cell cycle a
rrest induced by p16(INK4a), inhibitor of cyclin D-dependent kinases, requi
res pRB, and it has been proposed that this G1 arrest is mediated by pRB-E2
F repressor complexes. By comparing the properties of primary mouse embryon
ic fibroblasts specifically lacking pRB-family members, we find that PRE is
insufficient for a p16(INK4a)-induced arrest. In addition to pRB, a second
function provided by either p107 or p130, two pRB-related proteins, is req
uired for p16(INK4a) to block DNA synthesis. We infer that p16(INK4a)-induc
ed arrest is not mediated exclusively by pRB, but depends on the nonredunda
nt functions of at least two pRB-family members.