Enzymes
Product List
ATF4 Human
Activating Transcription Factor-4 Human Recombinant
ATF1 Human
Activating Transcription Factor-1 Human Recombinant
ATF3 Human
Activating Transcription Factor-3 Human Recombinant
Introduction
Activating Transcription Factors (ATFs) are a group of transcription factors that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. They belong to the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family of transcription factors and are characterized by their ability to bind to specific DNA sequences and activate the transcription of target genes. ATFs are classified into several subfamilies based on their structural and functional properties, including ATF1, ATF2, ATF3, ATF4, ATF5, ATF6, and ATF7.
Key Biological Properties: ATFs are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and stress responses. They are known for their ability to respond to extracellular signals and regulate the expression of genes involved in these processes.
Expression Patterns: The expression of ATFs is tightly regulated and can vary depending on the cell type and environmental conditions. For example, ATF3 is rapidly induced in response to stress signals, while ATF4 is involved in the cellular response to amino acid deprivation.
Tissue Distribution: ATFs are expressed in a wide range of tissues, including the brain, liver, heart, and immune cells. Their expression levels can vary significantly between different tissues, reflecting their diverse roles in various physiological processes.
Primary Biological Functions: ATFs play a key role in regulating the expression of genes involved in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. They are also involved in the cellular response to stress and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis.
Role in Immune Responses: ATFs are important regulators of immune responses. For example, ATF2 is involved in the activation of immune cells and the production of cytokines, which are critical for the immune response to pathogens.
Pathogen Recognition: ATFs can modulate the expression of genes involved in pathogen recognition and the immune response. For instance, ATF3 has been shown to regulate the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which are essential for the recognition of microbial pathogens.
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: ATFs function by forming heterodimers with other bZIP transcription factors, such as c-Jun and c-Fos. These heterodimers bind to specific DNA sequences in the promoter regions of target genes and activate their transcription.
Binding Partners: ATFs interact with various co-activators and co-repressors to modulate gene expression. For example, ATF2 can interact with the histone acetyltransferase p300, which enhances its transcriptional activity.
Downstream Signaling Cascades: ATFs are involved in several signaling pathways, including the MAPK and JNK pathways. These pathways regulate the activity of ATFs through phosphorylation, leading to changes in their DNA-binding affinity and transcriptional activity.
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of ATFs is regulated at the transcriptional level by various signaling pathways. For example, the expression of ATF4 is regulated by the integrated stress response (ISR) pathway, which is activated in response to cellular stress.
Post-Translational Modifications: ATFs are subject to various post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination. These modifications can affect their stability, localization, and transcriptional activity. For instance, phosphorylation of ATF2 by the JNK pathway enhances its transcriptional activity.
Biomedical Research: ATFs are widely studied in biomedical research due to their roles in various cellular processes and diseases. They are used as model systems to study gene regulation, signal transduction, and cellular stress responses.
Diagnostic Tools: ATFs can serve as biomarkers for certain diseases. For example, elevated levels of ATF3 have been associated with cancer and inflammatory diseases, making it a potential diagnostic marker.
Therapeutic Strategies: Targeting ATFs and their signaling pathways holds promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. For instance, small molecules that modulate the activity of ATFs are being explored as potential treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Development: ATFs play a critical role in embryonic development and the differentiation of various cell types. For example, ATF4 is essential for the development of the skeletal system and the differentiation of osteoblasts.
Aging: The activity of ATFs can change with age, affecting cellular processes such as stress responses and metabolism. Dysregulation of ATF activity has been linked to age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.
Disease: ATFs are involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. For example, ATF3 is upregulated in response to cellular stress and has been implicated in the development of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Similarly, dysregulation of ATF4 has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders.
