This gene encodes a transcription factor that is a member
of the leucine zipper family of DNA binding proteins. This protein
binds to the cAMP-response element and regulates cell
proliferation. The protein interacts with host cell factor C1,
which also associates with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) protein
VP16 that induces transcription of HSV immediate-early genes. This
protein and VP16 both bind to the same site on host cell factor C1.
It is thought that the interaction between this protein and host
cell factor C1 plays a role in the establishment of latency during
HSV infection. This protein also plays a role in leukocyte
migration, tumor suppression, and endoplasmic reticulum
stress-associated protein degradation. Additional transcript
variants have been identified, but their biological validity has
not been determined.
