The E1A gene region of human adenovirus can cooperate with a second gene such as adenovirus E1B or activated ras to transform rodent cells oncogenically. On its own, E1A induces quiescent cells to divide, represses cellular differentiation, induces programmed cell death and affects gene expression. E1A acts through its products, two similar nuclear proteins of 289 and 243 residues, which bind to cellular proteins, particularly p300 and a group of interrelated proteins, p130, p107 and pRb. This review describes what is known of the ways E1A interferes with growth regulation by these and other cellular proteins, such as cyclins and transcription factors, so as to bring about oncogenic transformation.

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