E2F-1 accumulation bypasses a G1 arrest resulting from the inhibition of G1 cyclin-dependent kinase activity

Genes Dev. 1995 Dec 1;9(23):2873-87. doi: 10.1101/gad.9.23.2873.

Abstract

Numerous experiments have defined a critical role for the G1 cyclins and associated kinases in allowing a normal progression of cells from a quiescent state, through G1, and into S phase. We now demonstrate that G1 cyclin-dependent kinase activity is critical for the accumulation of E2F activity late in G1. Moreover, E2F-1 overexpression can overcome a G1 arrest caused by the inhibition of G1 cyclin-dependent kinase activity, consistent with E2F activation being an important consequence of the action of G1 cyclins. E2F-1 also overcomes a G1 block caused by gamma irradiation and leads to an apparent complete replication of the cellular genome and entry into mitosis. This E2F-1-mediated induction of S phase and mitosis is not accompanied by the rise in either cyclin D-associated kinase activity or cdk2 activity that is normally observed during the G1 phase of the cell cycle. We conclude that one key function for G1 cyclin-dependent kinase activity is the activation of E2F-1, that the accumulation of E2F activity may be sufficient to allow initiation and completion of S phase, but that additional events, including G1 cyclin kinase activity, are likely necessary for a normal proliferative event.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Western
  • CDC2-CDC28 Kinases*
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / pharmacology
  • Cell Cycle Proteins*
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / genetics
  • DNA / radiation effects
  • DNA-Binding Proteins*
  • E2F Transcription Factors
  • E2F1 Transcription Factor
  • G1 Phase* / radiation effects
  • G2 Phase
  • Gamma Rays
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / pharmacology
  • Mitosis
  • Plasmids
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Retinoblastoma Protein / biosynthesis
  • Retinoblastoma Protein / genetics
  • Retinoblastoma-Binding Protein 1
  • S Phase
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*
  • Transcription Factors / radiation effects
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • E2F Transcription Factors
  • E2F1 Transcription Factor
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Retinoblastoma Protein
  • Retinoblastoma-Binding Protein 1
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27
  • DNA
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • CDC2-CDC28 Kinases
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases