Tumor suppressor, AT motif binding factor 1 (ATBF1), translocates to the nucleus with runt domain transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) in response to TGF-β signal transduction

► Significant correlation between ATBF1 and RUNX3 nuclear localization in gastric cancer. ► Co-IP reveals a physical association between ATBF1 and RUNX3. ► ATBF1 and RUNX3 up-regulates p21 promoter activity synergistically. ► TGF-β1 induces endogenous ATBF1 and RUNX3 nuclear translocation.