ATF6
ATF6 (activating transcription factor 6, also known as ATF6A or ATP6alpha) is a bZIP transcription factor that initiates the unfolded protein response during endoplasmic reticulum stress. It is synthesised as an ER-embedded transmembrane protein and acts as a stress sensor and transducer. Browse Assay Genie's current range of ATF6 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
ATF6 is a transcription factor that initiates the unfolded protein response (UPR) during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by activating transcription of UPR genes. Unusually for a transcription factor, it is synthesised as a transmembrane protein embedded in the ER, where it functions as an ER stress sensor and transducer. Following ER stress-induced proteolysis, it acts as a nuclear transcription factor.
In the nucleus, ATF6 binds DNA on the 5'-CCAC[GA]-3' half of the ER stress response element (ERSE; 5'-CCAAT-N(9)-CCAC[GA]-3') and of ERSE II (5'-ATTGG-N-CCACG-3'). Binding to ERSE requires NF-Y to bind the element as well. ERSE sequences are present in the promoters of genes encoding ER chaperones, linking the ATF6 protein directly to the cell's protein-folding capacity. UniProt also notes that it could be involved in activation of transcription by the serum response factor, and may play a role in foveal development and cone function in the retina.
The ATF6 gene belongs to the bZIP family, ATF subfamily, and is the namesake of the HGNC activating transcription factor 6 family. UniProt records the protein at the ER membrane, Golgi apparatus membrane and nucleus, consistent with its route from ER sensor to nuclear regulator. NCBI Gene describes ATF6 as a survival factor for quiescent but not proliferative squamous carcinoma cells, and as a potential therapeutic target for cystic fibrosis. Reports linking polymorphisms to diabetes are conflicting across populations, while another polymorphism has been associated with increased plasma cholesterol levels.
ATF6 initiates the UPR by activating transcription of UPR genes during ER stress, making it a central readout of ER proteostasis.
Through ERSE elements in promoters, ATF6 controls genes encoding ER chaperones, a route for studying protein-folding capacity.
ATF6 is a survival factor for quiescent but not proliferative squamous carcinoma cells, relevant to tumour dormancy research.
Polymorphisms are linked to plasma cholesterol and, inconsistently, diabetes; ATF6 may also affect foveal development and cone function.
ATF6 is a transcription factor that initiates the unfolded protein response during ER stress. Held in the ER membrane as a stress sensor, it is proteolytically processed after stress, then acts in the nucleus through ER stress response elements to activate UPR target genes, including ER chaperones.
The HGNC-approved symbol is ATF6, for activating transcription factor 6. Aliases include ATF6A and ATP6alpha, and UniProt names the protein cyclic AMP-dependent transcription factor ATF-6 alpha. It belongs to the bZIP family, ATF subfamily.
Mouse and rat both have an orthologous Atf6 gene. NCBI Gene notes ATF6 as a survival factor for quiescent squamous carcinoma cells, a polymorphism associated with plasma cholesterol, and a potential cystic fibrosis target. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other activating transcription factors in the ATF subfamily, with products at Assay Genie for stress-response and transcription research.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P18850; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.