Basic Leucine Zipper Transcription Factor, ATF Like Protein (BATF)

BATF is a nuclear basic leucine zipper (bZIP) protein that belongs to the AP-1/ATF superfamily of transcription factors. The leucine zipper of this protein mediates dimerization with members of the Jun family of proteins. This protein is thought to be a negative regulator of AP-1/ATF transcriptional events.Mice without the BATF gene lacked a type of inflammatory immune cell (Th17) and were resistant to conditions that normally induces an autoimmune condition similar to multiple sclerosis.

Expressed at highest levels in lung, and at lower levels in placenta, liver, kidney, spleen, and peripheral blood. Detected in SW480 colorectal cancer cell line and several hematopoietic tumor cell lines, including Raji Burkitt's lymphoma. Strongly expressed in mature B- and T-lymphocytes.