E1A protein has both transforming and trans-activating activities. Plays a role in viral genome replication by driving entry of quiescent cells into the cell cycle. Disrupts the function of host retinoblastoma protein RB1/pRb and isoform early E1A 26 kDa protein stabilizes TP53, which are key regulators of the cell cycle. Induces the disassembly of the E2F1 transcription factors from RB1 by direct competition for the same binding site on RB1, with subsequent transcriptional activation of E2F1-regulated S-phase genes. Inactivation of the ability of RB1 to arrest the cell cycle is critical for cellular transformation, uncontrolled cellular growth and proliferation induced by viral infection. Stimulation of progression from G1 to S phase allows the virus to efficiently use the cellular DNA replicating machinery to achieve viral genome replication (By similarity). Interaction with host RB1 induces the aberrant dissociation of RB1-E2F1 complex thereby disrupting RB1's activity.