EIF2B5 : eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B subunit epsilon

Description

The EIF2B5 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B subunit epsilon) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 3.

The EIF2B5 gene provides instructions for making one of five parts of a protein called eIF2B, specifically the epsilon subunit of this protein. The eIF2B protein helps regulate overall protein production (synthesis) in the cell by interacting with another protein, eIF2. The eIF2 protein is called an initiation factor because it is involved in starting (initiating) protein synthesis. Under some conditions, eIF2B increases protein synthesis by helping to recycle molecules called GTP, which carry energy to the initiation factor. Under other conditions, it slows protein synthesis by binding tightly to the initiation factor, which converts the eIF2B protein into an inactive form and prevents recycling of GTP. Proper regulation of protein synthesis is vital for ensuring that the correct levels of protein are available for the cell to cope with changing conditions. For example, cells must synthesize protein much faster if they are multiplying than if they are in a resting state.

The EIF2B5 gene encodes a protein called eIF2B epsilon subunit, which is a part of the eIF2B complex. This complex facilitates the exchange of GDP for GTP on the eIF2 gamma subunit. The eIF2B epsilon subunit's ability to catalyze this exchange is hindered when the eIF2 complex is phosphorylated on its alpha subunit, leading to a reduction in the availability of methionyl-initiator methionine tRNA to ribosomes and ultimately, suppression of global protein synthesis.

EIF2B5 is also known as CACH, CLE, EIF-2B, EIF2Bepsilon, LVWM, VWM5.

Associated Diseases

• Leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter 5, with or without ovarian failure
• Leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter