Nicotine-mediated induction of E-selectin in aortic endothelial cells requires Src kinase and E2F1 transcriptional activity

► Nicotine induces E-selectin gene through the E2F1 transcription factor. ► Inhibiting E2F1 activity prevents nicotine-induced E-selectin expression. ► E2F1 activity was needed for nicotine-induced adhesion of monocytes to HAECs. ► Targeting the Rb-E2F pathway might be an avenue to combat atherosclerosis.