Description
Transcription factor that either stimulates or represses gene transcription through binding of different DNA regulatory elements such as cAMP response element (CRE) (consensus: 5'-GTGACGT[AC][AG]-3'), ATF5-specific response element (ARE) (consensus: 5'-C[CT]TCT[CT]CCTT[AT]-3') but also the amino acid response element (AARE), present in many viral and cellular promoters. Critically involved, often in a cell type-dependent manner, in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Its transcriptional activity is enhanced by CCND3 and slightly inhibited by CDK4. Important regulator of the cerebral cortex formation, functions in cerebral cortical neuroprogenitor cells to maintain proliferation and to block differentiation into neurons. Must be down-regulated in order for such cells to exit the cycle and differentiate