How do E2F Transcription Factors Contribute to Cancer?
The dysregulation of E2F transcription factors is a common occurrence in various types of cancer. Normally, E2F activity is tightly controlled by pRb, which inhibits E2F function by binding to it. However, in many cancers, the pRb pathway is disrupted due to mutations or loss of function, leading to uncontrolled E2F activity. This results in the overexpression of genes involved in cell proliferation, DNA synthesis, and apoptosis evasion, thereby promoting tumorigenesis.
