E2Fs regulate the expression of genes involved in differentiation, development, proliferation, and apoptosis

The retinoblastoma protein (pRB) and its two relatives, p107 and p130, regu late development and cell proliferation in part by inhibiting the activity of E2F-regulated promoters. We have used high-density oligonucleotide array s to identify genes in which expression changed in response to activation o f E2F1, E2F2, and E2F3. We show that the E2Fs control the expression of sev eral genes that are involved in cell proliferation. We also show that the E 2Fs regulate a number of genes involved in apoptosis, differentiation, and development. These results provide possible genetic explanations to the var iety of phenotypes observed as a consequence of a deregulated pRB/E2F pathw ay.