E2F3b

E2F3b is a splice variant of the E2F3 gene, which encodes a transcription factor belonging to the E2F family. The E2F family plays a critical role in regulating the cell cycle and is involved in the control of gene expression for proteins essential for DNA replication and cell proliferation. E2F3b is one of two major isoforms produced from the E2F3 gene, the other being E2F3a. These isoforms arise from alternative splicing of the E2F3 messenger RNA.

The distinction between E2F3a and E2F3b lies in a small region of the protein sequence. E2F3b is characterized by the absence of a specific exon present in E2F3a. This difference can influence the protein's interaction with other cellular components, particularly retinoblastoma protein (Rb) family members, which are key regulators of cell cycle progression. While both isoforms can bind to DNA and activate target gene transcription, their functional outputs and regulatory mechanisms may differ. Research suggests that E2F3b may have distinct roles in specific cellular contexts or developmental stages compared to E2F3a. Understanding the precise functions and regulation of E2F3b is important for comprehending cell cycle control and its dysregulation in diseases like cancer.