EIF2B1 : eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B subunit alpha
Description
The EIF2B1 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B subunit alpha) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
The EIF2B1 gene provides instructions for making one of five components of the eIF2B protein, specifically the alpha subunit. The eIF2B protein plays a vital role in regulating protein synthesis within the cell. It interacts with another protein called eIF2, an initiation factor involved in starting protein synthesis. Under certain conditions, eIF2B enhances protein synthesis by assisting in the recycling of GTP molecules, which provide energy for the initiation factor. Conversely, in other situations, it slows down protein synthesis by binding tightly to the initiation factor. This binding inactivates eIF2B and prevents the recycling of GTP. The precise regulation of protein synthesis is crucial for ensuring appropriate protein levels within the cell to adapt to changing conditions. For instance, cells need to synthesize proteins much faster when they are multiplying compared to when they are in a resting state.
EIF2B1, also known as eIF2B GDP-GTP exchange factor subunit alpha, is a component of the translation initiation factor 2B (eIF2B) complex. This complex catalyzes the exchange of GDP for GTP on the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) gamma subunit. This exchange is crucial for the initiation of protein synthesis. EIF2B1's guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity is repressed when bound to the phosphorylated alpha subunit of the eIF2 complex, leading to a decrease in methionyl-initiator methionine tRNA availability to the ribosome and ultimately causing a repression of global translation.
EIF2B1 is also known as EIF2B, EIF2BA, EIF2Balpha, VWM1.
