EEF2
Description
The EEF2 (eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
EEF2 is a protein essential for protein synthesis in humans. It is part of the GTP-binding translation elongation factor family and is responsible for moving the ribosome along the mRNA strand during protein synthesis. This movement, powered by GTP, ensures the correct positioning of the newly formed peptide and the empty tRNA. EEF2 is susceptible to inactivation by phosphorylation, which completely stops its function. It is also targeted by toxins like diphtheria toxin and exotoxin A, which can disrupt protein synthesis by disabling EEF2.
EEF2 is a key player in protein synthesis, specifically during the elongation phase. It utilizes GTP energy to move the ribosome along the mRNA, shifting the newly formed peptide and the empty tRNA to their respective positions. This coordinated movement also involves rearranging the mRNA and the ribosome itself.
EEF2 is also known as EEF-2, EF-2, EF2, SCA26.
