The ATF6 pathway is a crucial component of the unfolded protein response (UPR) that helps maintain cellular homeostasis by regulating the expression of genes involved in protein folding, quality control, and degradation. Upon activation by endoplasmic reticulum stress, ATF6 translocates to the Golgi apparatus where it is cleaved, releasing a cytosolic fragment that acts as a transcription factor to upregulate stress-responsive genes.