Missing expression of pRb2/p130 in human retinoblastomas is associated with reduced apoptosis and lesser differentiation.

Purpose: Although the retinoblastoma gene (RB/p105) has been intensely investigated as a prototype suppressor gene in humans, mutational data on the Rb family member pRb2/p130 (p130) has only recently been reported. A protective role against apoptosis has been suggested for pRb/p105, both in vitro and in vivo. However, only limited information is available on the role of pRb2/p130 in controlling apoptosis.