The major function of E2F transcription factors is to:
E2F transcription factor family orchestrates G1 to S gene expression program required for DNA synthesis and cell cycle progression. Activator subgroup E2F1, E2F2, E2F3 bound to DP1/2 drives transcription once freed from pocket proteins Rb, p107, p130. Released E2Fs recognize consensus binding site TTTCGCGC in promoters recruiting histone acetyltransferases p300, CBP, PCAF and mediator enabling RNA polymerase II initiation. Transcriptional targets include broad cohort essential for S phase: replication licensing factors ORC1, Cdc6, Cdt1, MCM2 through MCM7 helicase subunits, activation factors C
Ref: Bracken et al., E2F Dependent Transcription and S-Phase Gene Regulation, Trends Biochem Sci 2004; Alberts et al., Chapter 17, E2F Control.