Open AccessThe retinoblastoma gene family in differentiation and development
Author(s) -
Marta M. Lipinski,
Tyler Jacks
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
oncogene
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.395
H-Index - 342
eISSN - 1476-5594
pISSN - 0950-9232
DOI - 10.1038/sj.onc.1203244
Subject(s) - biology , retinoblastoma , retinoblastoma protein , cell cycle , cellular differentiation , mitosis , gene , genetics , tumor suppressor gene , carcinogenesis , microbiology and biotechnology , cell cycle progression , gene family , cancer research , gene expression
The retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor gene and its close relatives p107 and p130 are best known for their function in the control of cell cycle progression. In recent years, however, a new role for these proteins has been emerging as they have been linked with regulation of terminal differentiation of many tissues and cell types. In fact, Rb and its family members have been shown to be involved in multiple stages of the differentiation process including irreversible exit from the cell cycle, protection from apoptosis, induction of cell type specific gene expression and maintenance of the post-mitotic state. They also play a critical role in assuring the orderly progression through all these stages of differentiation.