A Skp2 autoinduction loop and restriction point control

We describe a self-amplifying feedback loop that autoinduces Skp2 during G1 phase progression. This loop, which contains Skp2 itself, p27^kip1 (p27), cyclin E–cyclin dependent kinase 2, and the retinoblastoma protein, is closed through a newly identified, conserved E2F site in the Skp2 promoter. Interference with the loop, by knockin of a Skp2-resistant p27 mutant (p27^T187A), delays passage through the restriction point but does not interfere with S phase entry under continuous serum stimulation. Skp2 knock down inhibits S phase entry in nontransformed mouse embryonic fibroblasts but not in human papilloma virus–E7 expressing fibroblasts. We propose that the essential role for Skp2-dependent degradation of p27 is in the formation of an autoinduction loop that selectively controls the transition to mitogen-independence, and that Skp2-dependent proteolysis may be dispensable when pocket proteins are constitutively inactivated.