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Background
Transcription factor E2F1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the E2F1 gene. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the E2F family of transcription factors. The E2F family of transcription factors appears to play a critical role in the transcription of certain genes required for cell cycle progression. E2F1, the first cloned member of this family, is regulated during the cell cycle at the mRNA level by changes in transcription of the E2F1 gene and at the protein level by complex formation with proteins such as the retinoblastoma gene product (pRB), cyclin A and DP1. E2F1 can override a pRB-induced G1/S block and can behave as an oncogene in certain cells. E2F1 was cloned and was found to contain seven exons. Fluorescence in situ hybridization localized E2F1 to chromosome 20q11. The E2F1 transcription factor can promote proliferation or apoptosis when activated, and is a key downstream target of the retinoblastoma tumour suppressor protein (pRB).