Transcription factor ATF5 is required for terminal differentiation and survival of olfactory sensory neurons.

ABSTRACT: Activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) is a member of the ATF/cAMP response element-binding family of transcription factors, which compose a large group of basic region leucine zipper proteins whose members mediate diverse transcriptional regulatory functions. ATF5 has a well-established prosurvival activity and has been found to be overexpressed in several human cancers, in particular glioblastoma. However, the role(s) of ATF5 in development and normal physiology are unknown. Here we address this issue by deriving and characterizing homozygous Atf5 knockout mice. We find that Atf5(-/-) pups die neonatally, which, as explained below, is consistent with an olfactory defect resulting in a competitive suckling deficit. We show that Atf5 is highly expressed in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs

SUBMITTER: Wang SZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3494896 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature