Transforming growth factor-β1 regulation of ATF-3, c-Jun and JunB proteins for activation of matrix metalloproteinase-13 gene in human breast cancer cells.

•TGF-β1 stimulated expression of MMP-13 (an invasive and metastasis gene) via ATF-3 in human breast cancer cells.•TGF-β1 stimulated ATF-3 interaction at the AP-1 site of the MMP-13 promoter in a sustained and prolonged manner.•TGF-β1 stimulated the ATF-3 interaction and regulation of c-Jun and JunB proteins.•The presence of c-Jun/ATF-3 complex at the AP-1 site of the MMP-13 promoter in MDA-MB231 cells upon TGF-β1-treatment.