Function
Growth suppressor that facilitates the entry of the cell into cell cycle arrest. Functionally similar to the retinoblastoma protein it binds to and represses the activity of cell-cycle-promoting proteins such as SV40 large T antigen, adenovirus E1A, and the transcription factor E2F. Necdin also interacts with p53 and works in an additive manner to inhibit cell growth. Functions also as transcription factor and binds directly to specific guanosine-rich DNA sequences.
Tissue Specificity
Almost ubiquitous. Detected in fetal brain, lung, liver and kidney; in adult heart, brain, placenta, lung, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney, pancreas, spleen, thymus, prostate, testis, ovary, small intestine and colon. Not detected in peripheral blood leukocytes. In brain, restricted to post-mitotic neurons.
