Transcription Factor Dp1 (TFDP1)

The E2F transcription factor family regulates the expression of various cellular promoters, particularly those involved in the cell cycle. E2F factors bind to DNA as homodimers or heterodimers in association with dimerization partner DP1. TFDP1 may be the first example of a family of related transcription factors.

The protein was isolated by virtue of its binding to a DNA sequence taken from the adenovirus E2A promoter. TFDP1 is a component of the DRTF1/E2F transcription factor complex, which coordinates events in the cell cycle by interacting with RB1, the retinoblastoma gene product, and RB-related proteins. DRTF1 activity is downregulated in differentiating embryonal carcinoma cells, and E2F activity is induced in adenovirus-infected HeLa cells.