[5] This gene encodes a transcription factor that is a member of the leucine zipper family of DNA-binding proteins.

[8] ATF-2 phosphorylation in response to treatment of cells with tumor promoter phorbol ester has been demonstrated.

[9] Several studies implicate abnormal activation of ATF-2 in growth and progression of mammalian skin tumors.

[10][11] ATF-2 may mediate oncogenesis caused by mutant Ras protein[12] and regulate maintenance of the aggressive cancer phenotype of some types of epithelial cells.

[13] Mice with mutations of these two serines are sensitive to irradiation and easier to tumorigenesis under p53 knockout background.