Activating transcription factor 6 beta (ATF6B)

Activating transcription factor 6 beta (ATF6B) is a type II ER transmembrane protein and member of the bZIP family of transcription factors[1][2][3][5]. It functions as a key sensor and regulator of the unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptive pathway activated during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress caused by protein misfolding. During stress, ATF6B is cleaved to release its N-terminal domain, which translocates to the nucleus to regulate expression of ER stress response genes[1][3]. ATF6B acts either as a homodimer or as a heterodimer with ATF6 alpha (ATF6A), but compared to ATF6A, ATF6B is a much weaker transcriptional activator and is more stable. Functionally, ATF6B may serve as an endogenous inhibitor of ATF6A, fine-tuning the intensity and duration of UPR signaling, and thus adjusting cell survival during stress[3]. ATF6B is implicated in the pathophysiology of diseases where ER stress and proteostasis are pivotal, including cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and various inflammatory disorders[1][5]. There are currently no known drugs clinically or experimentally targeting ATF6B directly[5].

Other names

Cyclic AMP-dependent transcription factor ATF-6 betaCREBL1G13ATF6-betaCreb-rpATF6betaProtein G13cAMP response element-binding protein-related proteincAMP-responsive element-binding protein-like 1CREB-RPCreb-related protein