Activating transcription factor 7 interacting protein 2 (ATF7IP2)

Activating transcription factor 7 interacting protein 2 (ATF7IP2) is a chromatin-associated transcription coregulator that modulates gene expression by bridging transcription factors with the general transcription apparatus, influencing both transcription activation and repression depending on context[1][6]. It is strongly implicated in male fertility: ATF7IP2 is highly expressed in sperm-forming germ cells, where it partners with the histone methyltransferase SETDB1 to direct H3K9 trimethylation, enabling meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, proper XY chromosome segregation, and safeguarding genome integrity during spermatogenesis[2][5]. ATF7IP2 may also silence retroelements and regulate meiotic crossover formation, and its absence in mice leads to infertility due to defective spermatogenesis and chromosome segregation errors[2][5]. Disease relevance has been noted in specific genetic syndromes, but no direct therapeutic targeting or biomarker role is currently established[1][2][5][9].

Other names

MCAF2ATF7-interacting protein 2FLJ12668MBD1-containing chromatin-associated factor 2MBD1-containing chromatin associated factor 2