Transcription activator that binds DNA cooperatively with DP proteins through the E2 recognition site, 5'-TTTC[CG]CGC-3' found in the promoter region of a number of genes whose products are involved in cell cycle regulation or in DNA replication. The DRTF1/E2F complex functions in the control of cell-cycle progression from g1 to s phase. E2F2 binds specifically to RB1 in a cell-cycle dependent manner. This is the function of E2F2 (E2F transcription factor 2, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000007968).