Transcriptional repressor that binds to E2f sites and represses E2f-regulated target genes. Binding to E2f sites requires transcription factor Dp. Acts synergistically with Rbf2 to antagonize E2f1-mediated transcriptional activation. Component of the DREAM complex, a multiprotein complex that can both act as a transcription activator or repressor depending on the context. The DREAM complex is required for recruiting E2f2 at differentiation-specific promoters and for stabilizing E2f2-Rbf complexes during S phase. During development, the complex represses transcription of developmentally controlled E2f target genes. During oogenesis, plays a role in restricting DNA synthesis to sites of chorion gene amplification in late stage ovarian follicle cells. Plays an inhibitory role in ionizing radiation (IR)-induced p53-independent apoptosis. May be involved in cell cycle exit by temporarily limiting CycE-dependent activation of E2f-regulated transcription. Forms a heterodimer with Dp. Interacts with Rbf/Rbf1 and Rbf2. Component of the DREAM complex, which is at least composed of Myb, Caf1-55, mip40, mip120, mip130, E2f2, Dp, Rbf, Rbf2, lin-52, HDAC1/Rpd3 and l(3)mbt. Ubiquitously expressed in eye disk. Expressed throughout embryonic development, with highest levels detected in cycling cells including in mitotically active cells during germ-band extended stages, as well as proliferating cells of the CNS and endoreduplicating cells of tissues such as the midgut at later embryonic stages. Maternal mRNA detected in syncytial stage embryos and disappears by the cellular blastoderm stage. A single transcript of 1.4 kb is detected at the highest level in 4 to 8 hour embryos, and at a relatively high level in 0 to 2 hour embryos. Lower levels of the transcript are detected in unfertilized eggs, larvae, pupae and adult. Flies show reduced viability, with between 20 to 35% surviving until adult stages and both male and female flies showing significantly reduced fertility (PubMed:11511545). E2f1 and E2f2 double mutants die at the pupal stage during development compared with E2f1 mutants that die earlier at the larval stage, indicating that E2f1 and E2f2 functionally antagonize each other in vivo. According to PubMed:11748144, flies are viable, with males that are fully fertile and females that are partially sterile. p53 and E2f2 double mutants exhibit substantially more apoptosis at 20 and 24 hours after exposure to IR as compared to p53 single mutants, indicating that E2f2 limits IR-induced p53-independent apoptosis. Belongs to the E2F/DP family.