Atypical E2F transcription factor that participates in various processes such as angiogenesis, polyploidization of specialized cells and DNA damage response. Mainly acts as a transcription repressor that binds DNA independently of DP proteins and specifically recognizes the E2 recognition site 5'-TTTC[CG]CGC-3'. Directly represses transcription of classical E2F transcription factors such as E2F1. Acts as a regulator of S-phase by recognizing and binding the E2-related site 5'-TTCCCGCC-3' and mediating repression of G1/S-regulated genes. Plays a key role in polyploidization of cells in placenta and liver by regulating the endocycle, probably by repressing genes promoting cytokinesis and antagonizing action of classical E2F proteins (E2F1, E2F2 and/or E2F3). Required for placental development by promoting polyploidization of trophoblast giant cells. Also involved in DNA damage response: up-regulated by p53/TP53 following genotoxic stress and acts as a downstream effector of p53/TP53-dependent repression by mediating repression of indirect p53/TP53 target genes involved in DNA replication. Acts as a promoter of sprouting angiogenesis, possibly by acting as a transcription activator: associates with HIF1A, recognizes and binds the VEGFA promoter, which is different from canonical E2 recognition site, and activates expression of the VEGFA gene. Acts as a negative regulator of keratinocyte differentiation. Interacts with HIF1A (By similarity). Homodimer and heterodimer: mainly forms homodimers and, to a lesser extent, heterodimers with E2F8. Dimerization is important for DNA-binding. Interacts with MN1 (By similarity). Widely expressed with highest levels in skin and thymus and very low levels in brain, muscle and stomach. Expressed in trophoblast giant cells throughout placenta development (at protein level). Highly expressed during mid to late S-phase. Induced at the onset of hepatocyte polyploidization. In contrast to classical members of the E2F transcription factor, atypical members contain 2 DNA-binding domains and regulate transcription in a DP-independent manner. Both DNA-binding domains are required for DNA-binding and are proposed to form an intramolecular structure that is similar to the winged helix structure of the E2F-DP heterodimer (PubMed:12893818). No visible phenotype; mice develop normally and live to old age. E2f7 and E2f8 double knockout embryos die by 11.5 dpc of massive apoptosis and dilation of blood vessels and show increased expression of E2f1 and Tp53, as well as many stress-related genes. Belongs to the E2F/DP family.