ATF2: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker (G1386)

Target Name: ATF2

NCBI ID: G1386

ATF2

ATF2: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker

ATF2 (ATF2 variant 1) is a protein that plays a critical role in cell signaling pathways, particularly in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Discovered in 1994, ATF2 has been extensively studied for its potential as a drug target and biomarker. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of ATF2, its functions, potential drug targets, and its potential as a biomarker for various diseases.

History of the Discovery

ATF2 was first identified as a gene encoding a protein with homology to the p53 tumor suppressor protein in 1994 by Dr. Tom Rape and his colleagues at the University of Heidelberg, Germany. p53 is a well-known tumor suppressor gene that plays a crucial role in preventing the development and progression of cancer. The discovery of ATF2 led to a new understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of cell growth and differentiation.

Functions and Potential Therapeutic Applications

ATF2 is involved in various signaling pathways, including the TGF-β pathway, which plays a central role in cell growth, differentiation, and survival. The TGF-β pathway is a complex signaling pathway that is driven by the interactions between various protein factors, including ATF2.

ATF2 functions as a negative regulator of the TGF-β pathway, preventing the activation of transcription factors that are critical for TGF-β signaling. This role of ATF2 makes it a potential therapeutic target for diseases that are characterized by the over-expression or deregulation of TGF-β signaling pathway.

In addition to its role in TGF-β signaling, ATF2 has been shown to participate in various other signaling pathways, including the FGF signaling pathway, the PDGF signaling pathway, and the Wnt signaling pathway. These functions of ATF2 make it a potential drug target with therapeutic potential in a wide range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and developmental disorders.

Potential Drug Targets

ATF2 has been identified as a potential drug target due to its unique functions and its involvement in various signaling pathways. Several small molecules have been shown to interact with ATF2 and to modulate its activity, providing a promising foundation for the development of drugs that target ATF2.

One of the most promising drug targets for ATF2 is the inhibitor of the protein kinase B-complex, which is a key component of the TGF-β pathway. The B-complex is composed of several subunits, including the scaffold protein p120, which is targeted by the small molecule inhibitor, p120GTP.

Another potential drug target for ATF2 is the inhibitor of the transcription factor, p300, which is critical for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. The p300 protein is a key component of the DNA-binding domain of the transcription factor and has been shown to interact with ATF2.

Biomarkers

ATF2 has also been identified as a potential biomarker for various diseases, including cancer. The expression of ATF2 has been shown to be elevated in various types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. This increase in ATF2 expression is associated with the development and progression of these diseases.

In addition to its use as a biomarker, ATF2 has also been shown to be a potential therapeutic target for cancer. By inhibiting the activity of ATF2, it is possible to reduce the growth and survival of cancer cells. This has led to the development of small molecules that target ATF2 and are being evaluated as potential anti-cancer drugs.

Conclusion

ATF2 is a protein that plays a critical role in cell signaling pathways, including the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Its functions as a negative regulator of the TGF-β pathway and its potential as a drug target make it a promising target for the development of new therapeutic drugs. Additionally, its potential as a biomarker for various diseases, including cancer, makes it an attractive target for the development of new diagnostic tools. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of ATF2

Protein Name: Activating Transcription Factor 2

Functions: Transcriptional activator which regulates the transcription of various genes, including those involved in anti-apoptosis, cell growth, and DNA damage response. Dependent on its binding partner, binds to CRE (cAMP response element) consensus sequences (5'-TGACGTCA-3') or to AP-1 (activator protein 1) consensus sequences (5'-TGACTCA-3'). In the nucleus, contributes to global transcription and the DNA damage response, in addition to specific transcriptional activities that are related to cell development, proliferation and death. In the cytoplasm, interacts with and perturbs HK1- and VDAC1-containing complexes at the mitochondrial outer membrane, thereby impairing mitochondrial membrane potential, inducing mitochondrial leakage and promoting cell death. The phosphorylated form (mediated by ATM) plays a role in the DNA damage response and is involved in the ionizing radiation (IR)-induced S phase checkpoint control and in the recruitment of the MRN complex into the IR-induced foci (IRIF). Exhibits histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity which specifically acetylates histones H2B and H4 in vitro (PubMed:10821277). In concert with CUL3 and RBX1, promotes the degradation of KAT5 thereby attenuating its ability to acetylate and activate ATM. Can elicit oncogenic or tumor suppressor activities depending on the tissue or cell type

The "ATF2 Target / Biomarker Review Report" is a customizable review of hundreds up to thousends of related scientific research literature by AI technology, covering specific information about ATF2 comprehensively, including but not limited to:
•   general information;
•   protein structure and compound binding;
•   protein biological mechanisms;
•   its importance;
•   the target screening and validation;
•   expression level;
•   disease relevance;
•   drug resistance;
•   related combination drugs;
•   pharmacochemistry experiments;
•   related patent analysis;
•   advantages and risks of development, etc.
The report is helpful for project application, drug molecule design, research progress updates, publication of research papers, patent applications, etc. If you are interested to get a full version of this report, please feel free to contact us at BD@silexon.ai

More Common Targets