Differential effects of cdk2 and cdk3 on the control of pRb and E2F function during G(1) exit

The cyclin-dependent kinases cdk2 and cdk3 are required for the G(1)-S transition in mammalian cells. Here we show that G(1) arrest induced by the corresponding dominant-negative mutants of these enzymes, cdk2dn or cdk3dn, is resistant to the action of SV40 T antigen (T). In the presence of cdk2dn, T released active E2F from negative control by pRb and its related family members (pocket proteins) but failed to induce S-phase. Therefore, among other targets, cdk2 also phosphorylates nonpocket protein substrates in promoting S-phase entry, and T does not mimic all cdk2 functions. In the presence of cdk3dn, however, T failed to induce cell cycle progression or stimulate E2F-dependent transcription activity. Dominant-negative cdk3 inhibited E2F-1, E2F-2, and, less significantly, E2F-3, but not E2F-4 transcription activity. The inhibition occurred in a pRb-independent manner and did not affect the DNA-binding capacity of the transcription factor. Cdk3 bound specifically to E2F-1/DP-1 complexes in vivo, most likely through DP-1. Thus, cdk3 function contributes to the activation of E2F-1, E2F-2, and partially, E2F-3 and, thereby, participates in the process of S-phase entry.