This family contains the transcription factor E2F and its dimerisation partners TDP1 and TDP2, which stimulate E2F-dependent transcription. E2F binds to DNA as a homodimer or as a heterodimer in association with TDP1/2, the heterodimer having increased binding efficiency. The crystal structure of an E2F4-DP2-DNA complex shows that the DNA-binding domains of the E2F and DP proteins both have a fold related to the winged-helix DNA-binding motif. Recognition of the central c/gGCGCg/c sequence of the consensus DNA-binding site is symmetric, and amino acids that contact these bases are conserved among all known E2F and DP proteins.

1: In vivo association of E2F and DP family proteins. Wu CL, Zukerberg LR, Ngwu C, Harlow E, Lees JA; Mol Cell Biol. 1995;15:2536-2546. PMID:7739537

2: Structural basis of DNA recognition by the heterodimeric cell cycle transcription factor E2F-DP. Zheng N, Fraenkel E, Pabo CO, Pavletich NP; Genes Dev 1999;13:666-674. PMID:10090723