G1/S transition and the Rb-E2F pathway

Abstract

The G1/S transition appears central to the commitment to further cell division or differentiation in eukaryotic cells. The highly regulated G1/S transition requires the concerted action of specific cyclin-CDK kinases on specific target proteins. In plants as in animals, the Rb-E2F pathway represents the major target, its activation triggers transcription of a battery of genes involved in cell cycle control, DNA replication and cell metabolism. Recent molecular and genetic studies uncovered critical roles of the G1/S cell-cycle machinery and the Rb-E2F pathway in cell division and differentiation, bringing the cell cycle control in the context of plant growth and development. Correct and complete execution of DNA replication and packaging into chromatin not only ensures integral transmission of genetic information during cell division but also affects genome transcription. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.