E2F8 is essential for polyploidization in mammalian cells

It is not fully understood how polyploidy is regulated in mammals, as the liver is one of only a few tissues in which it occurs. De Bruin and colleagues demonstrate that gene repression through the E2F8 transcription factor, antagonized by E2F1, is required for polyploidization in mice. They also find that loss of polyploidy does not influence liver differentiation or regeneration.