ATF3 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The overexpression of ATF3 or the combination of ATF3 overexpression with dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) deletion in ALS mice delays degeneration of motor neurons.45,46 The function of ATF3 might therefore depend on the cellular context and transcriptional complexes including dimerization partners.36,47 Either way, it is certain that ATF3 expression indicates a response to damage and the initiation of an injury-induced transcriptional programme.