Objective: To review the domestic and abroad articles related to the research status of E2F transcription factors, then discuss the mechanism of these factors on cell cycle, apoptosis and tumor progression.Methods:“ E2F transcription factors,cell cycle,apoptosis, neoplasm”were searched as key words by CNKI and PubMed series full text database retrieval system from 1986 to 2012. Choice criteria :1) the research background of E2F transcription factors; 2) E2F transcription factors and apoptosis; 3)the regulate and control of E2F transcription factors during cell cycle ;4) the expression and meaning of E2F transcription factors during tumor progression. According to the choice criteria, 38 papers were finally selected and analyzed. Results: E2F transcription factors play a key role in cell cycle control and apoptosis. E2Fs can also function as both oncogene and tumor suppressor gene during tumor progression. Conclusion: E2F transcription factors have very broad application prospects due to the complexity of their own function, and maybe can offer new therapeutic targets for different kinds of tumor treatment in tumor gene therapy in the future. |