This protein binds the cAMP response element (CRE) (consensus: 5'-GTGACGT[AC][AG]-3'), a sequence present in many viral and cellular promoters. Binds to the Tax-responsive element (TRE) of HTLV-I. Mediates PKA-induced stimulation of CRE-reporter genes. Represses the expression of FTH1 and other antioxidant detoxification genes. Triggers cell proliferation and transformation. Binds DNA as a dimer (PubMed:2516827). Interacts with HIPK2 and CDK3 (PubMed:18794154, PubMed:20980392). Interacts with MOTS-c, a peptide produced by the mitochondrially encoded 12S rRNA MT-RNR1; the interaction occurs in the nucleus following metabolic stress (PubMed:29983246). Phosphorylated at Ser-198 by HIPK2 in response to genotoxic stress. This phosphorylation promotes transcription repression of FTH1 and other antioxidant detoxification genes. The CDK3-mediated phosphorylation at Ser-63 promotes its transactivation and transcriptional activities. Phosphorylated at Ser-63 by RPS6KA4 and RPS6KA5 in response to mitogenic or stress stimuli. The gene represented in this entry may be involved in disease pathogenesis. Chromosomal aberrations involving ATF1 are found in patients with angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma. Translocation t(12;16)(q13;p11.2) with FUS generates a chimeric ATF1/FUS protein. Translocation t(12;22)(q13;q12) with EWSR1 generates a chimeric ATF1/EWSR1 protein. Belongs to the bZIP family. ATF subfamily.