ATF6 (Activating Transcription Factor 6)

ATF6 (Activating Transcription Factor 6) is a protein involved in helping cells respond to stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a cell's factory for producing proteins. When the ER detects misfolded or damaged proteins, ATF6 activates and moves to the nucleus, where it turns on genes that help the cell improve its protein-folding capacity and manage the stress. This process, called the unfolded protein response (UPR), aims to restore normal cell function and prevent damage. Thus, ATF6 plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular health during conditions that disrupt normal protein production.