The Retinoblastoma Protein, structure and role in the control of cell replication

Question 1

Retinoblastoma has a very minor role on the cell cycle. True/Fasle?

Answer 1

False, it has an immense role on the cell cycle

Question 2

What is retinoblastoma protein’s major way of control

Answer 2

Interaction with the E2F family of transcription factors

Question 3

Describe the interaction between retinoblastoma protein and the E2F factors

Answer 3

RB protein’s binding to E2F factors involves 2 domains: Domain A and Domain B

Question 4

What is the significance of the RB pocket

Answer 4

The Rb pocket of the retinoblastoma protein interacts with several cancer causing viral proteins. Viral proteins suppress the tumour suppressor function by directly interacting by the tumour suppressing protein

Question 5

How is the retinoblastoma protein controlled (which mechanism)

Answer 5

Phosphorylation

Question 6

What occurs if retinoblastoma’s function in the cell is wiped out?

Answer 6

The cell cycle becomes unchecked, the restriction point between G1 and S phase is lost and the cell undergoes abnormal proliferation