ATF1
ATF1: A Key Regulator of Cellular Processes and Human Health
Description
ATF1 (Activating Transcription Factor 1) is a master regulator gene that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including stress response, inflammation, and cell growth and differentiation. It is a transcription factor, meaning it controls the expression of other genes by binding to specific DNA sequences. ATF1 is located on chromosome 12 in humans and is highly conserved across species.
Associated Diseases
Dysregulation of ATF1 activity has been implicated in several human diseases and conditions:
- Cancers: ATF1 overexpression is associated with increased cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in various cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: ATF1 dysfunction has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer‘s disease and Parkinson‘s disease, where it may contribute to neuronal loss and cognitive decline.
- Cardiovascular diseases: ATF1 plays a role in regulating vascular function and inflammation. Its abnormal expression may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and hypertension.
- Autoimmune diseases: ATF1 is involved in immune responses and its dysregulation has been associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Did you Know ?
Recent research has shown that approximately 20% of all human protein-coding genes are directly or indirectly regulated by ATF1, highlighting its widespread impact on cellular functions.