The Rb family of cell cycle regulatory factors: clinical implications

Int J Oncol. 2000 Nov;17(5):897-902. doi: 10.3892/ijo.17.5.897.

Abstract

The retinoblastoma gene family is composed of three members: the product of the retinoblastoma gene (pRb), which is one of the most well studied tumor suppressor genes and two related proteins, pRb2/p130 and p107, which have been shown to be structurally and functionally similar to pRb. The three retinoblastoma family members show growth suppressive properties, although the growth arrest mediated by each of the three pocket regions of the proteins is not identical. This supports the idea that although the three members may complement each other, they are not fully functional or redundant. Among the three family members, the retinoblastoma-related gene product pRb2/p130 is a tumor suppressor gene and an effective candidate target for gene therapy approach. The aim of this review is to examine the role of the Rb family members in growth regulation discussing their putative prognostic and therapeutical impact in human cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Cell Cycle / genetics
  • Cell Cycle / physiology*
  • Cyclins / physiology
  • Embryonic and Fetal Development / genetics
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genes, Lethal
  • Genes, Retinoblastoma*
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Models, Molecular
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Nuclear Proteins / chemistry
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / physiology
  • Peptide Initiation Factors / metabolism
  • Phosphoproteins / chemistry
  • Phosphoproteins / genetics
  • Phosphoproteins / physiology
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proteins*
  • Retinoblastoma Protein / chemistry
  • Retinoblastoma Protein / physiology*
  • Retinoblastoma-Like Protein p107
  • Retinoblastoma-Like Protein p130

Substances

  • Cyclins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Peptide Initiation Factors
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Proteins
  • RBL1 protein, human
  • RBL2 protein, human
  • Rbl1 protein, mouse
  • Rbl2 protein, mouse
  • Retinoblastoma Protein
  • Retinoblastoma-Like Protein p107
  • Retinoblastoma-Like Protein p130