Activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2)

Activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) is a member of the leucine zipper family of transcription factors, encoded by the ATF2 gene in humans. It binds to cAMP-responsive elements (CRE) in DNA and can form homodimers or heterodimers, notably with c-Jun. ATF2 also acts as a histone acetyltransferase, specifically acetylating histones H2B and H4, which influences chromatin structure and transcriptional activation. The protein is activated by stress signals such as those mediated by the p38 and JNK MAP kinases, and by the DNA damage response via ATM-dependent phosphorylation. ATF2 plays diverse roles in regulating cell growth, apoptosis, DNA repair, and development, and can contribute to both oncogenesis and tumor suppression depending on cellular context. Dysregulation of ATF2 impacts several human diseases, including cancer and cardiomyopathies.

Other names

CREB2CREBP1cAMP-dependent transcription factor ATF-2CREB-2cAMP-responsive element-binding protein 2TREB7CRE-BP1HB16Cyclic AMP-dependent transcription factor ATF-2Cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 2histone acetyltransferase ATF2

Modulation of CRE-dependent transcription via dimerization or phosphorylation; Alteration of chromatin state through histone acetylation; Regulation of apoptotic pathways and DNA damage response