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. Also functions as a transcription factor and directly binds to specific guanosine-rich DNA sequences (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Perikaryon, Nucleus
Neural perikarya, translocates to the nucleus of postmitotic neurons and interacts with the nuclear matrix.
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.