E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) (E2F3)

E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) is a critical member of the E2F family that regulates the mammalian cell cycle, specifically the G1 to S phase transition, by inducing the expression of genes necessary for DNA synthesis (UniProt P26670). The E2F3 gene encodes two isoforms, E2F3a and E2F3b, which play complex roles in promoting or suppressing cell proliferation depending on the cellular environment and the presence of retinoblastoma (Rb) family proteins (NCBI Gene ID: 1871). Overexpression of E2F3 mRNA is a frequent occurrence in various human malignancies, such as bladder, prostate, and lung cancers, where it functions as an oncogene to drive uncontrolled cellular growth (PubMed: 12750364). Due to the difficulty of targeting transcription factors with small molecules, research has focused on targeting E2F3 mRNA using RNA-based therapeutics, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) like miR-125b and miR-200b (PubMed: 25601300). These RNA-based agents bind to the E2F3 transcript to trigger its degradation or inhibit its translation, thereby reducing E2F3 protein levels and slowing tumor progression (PubMed: 21822495). However, the clinical application of targeting E2F3 mRNA is currently limited by challenges in targeted delivery and the potential for off-target effects in healthy, proliferating tissues.

Other names

Transcription factor E2F3E2F-3KIAA0075

RNA interference (RNAi) and antisense inhibition leading to mRNA degradation or translational repression of the E2F3 transcript.