Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Measurements of Physiological Stress Responses in C. Elegans
Published on: May 21, 2020
Surviving Stress: Modulation of ATF4-Mediated Stress Responses in Normal and Malignant Cells
Inge M N Wortel1, Laurens T van der Meer2, Michael S Kilberg3
1Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Science, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is a stress-induced transcription factor that is frequently upregulated in cancer cells. ATF4 controls the expression of a wide range of adaptive genes that allow cells to endure periods of stress, such as hypoxia or amino acid limitation. However, under persistent stress conditions, ATF4 promotes the induction of apoptosis. Recent advances point to a role for post-translational modifications (PTMs) and epigenetic mechanisms in balancing these pro- and anti-survival effects of ATF4. We review here how PTMs and epigenetic modifiers associated with ATF4 may be exploited by cancer cells to cope with cellular stress conditions that are intrinsically associated with tumor growth. Identification of mechanisms that modulate ATF4-mediated transcription and its effects on cellular metabolism may uncover new targets for cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Abnormal Proliferation
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...

