ATF4结合ATF3基因启动子中的氨基酸反应元件(AARE) (Chen et al. 2004, Pan et al. 2007, Fu and Kilberg 2013, Hayner et al. 2018)。ATF4最初与磷酸化的ATF2结合ATF3启动子,然后与JUN (c-Jun),然后与CEBPB结合(Fu and Kilberg 2013, Hayner et al. 2018)。ATF3和CEBPB结合较晚,且与ATF3表达减少相关(Pan et al. 2007, Fu and Kilberg 2013, Hayner et al. 2018)。