ATF6
Description
ATF6 (Activating Transcription Factor 6) is a key player in the unfolded protein response (UPR), a cellular stress response pathway activated when misfolded proteins accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ATF6 is a type II transmembrane protein that resides in the ER membrane. Under normal conditions, ATF6 is held in an inactive state by chaperone proteins. When the ER senses an accumulation of misfolded proteins, ATF6 is transported to the Golgi apparatus, where it is cleaved by proteases. The cleaved fragment, a transcription factor, enters the nucleus and activates the transcription of genes involved in protein folding, ER quality control, and ER expansion. This intricate mechanism helps to restore ER homeostasis and maintain cellular function.
Associated Diseases
Did you know?
ATF6 was originally identified as a transcription factor that was activated by the viral protein VP16, which is involved in the pathogenesis of herpes simplex virus.
