Activating Transcription Factor 6 Beta (ATF6b)

ATF6b is a transcription factor in the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway during ER stress. Either as a homodimer or as a heterodimer with ATF6-alpha, the encoded protein binds to the ER stress response element, interacting with nuclear transcription factor Y to activate UPR target genes. The protein is normally found in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum; however, under ER stress, the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain is cleaved from the rest of the protein and translocates to the nucleus. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. The cDNA encodes a 700-amino acid predicted protein with a basic region and a leucine zipper, similar to other members of the CREB/ATF family of transcription factors. The authors designated the protein CREBRP.