E2F1 transcription factor and its impact on growth factor and cytokine signaling

•Growth factors utilize E2F1 transcription factor in promoting entry into cell cycle.•VEGF-induced activation of E2F1, depending on the cellular oxygen demands, positively or negatively regulates angiogenesis.•E2F1 induces expression of growth factor receptors VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, FGF-R and IGF-1R.•Growth suppressive cytokines can either inhibit or activate E2F1 to suppress cell growth.•Interferon-mediated growth inhibition involves suppression of E2F1 transcription factor.•E2F1 mediated growth promotion may overcome interleukin-dependency of some hematopoietic cell lines.