Elongation Factor Tu (EF-Tu)

Elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) is a highly conserved GTPase protein found in prokaryotes. It facilitates the delivery of aminoacyl-tRNA (aa-tRNA) to the A-site of the ribosome during protein synthesis. EF-Tu is essential for accurate and efficient translation elongation, ensuring that each codon on mRNA is matched with its correct tRNA. Beyond translation, bacterial EF-Tu can localize on cell surfaces where it interacts with membrane receptors and extracellular matrix components. These interactions are implicated in pathogenesis and immune evasion. In plants, plastidic/mitochondrial versions play roles in stress responses. Several antibiotics target EF-Tu, disrupting bacterial protein synthesis, making it an important drug target for antibacterial therapy development.

Other names

Elongation factor thermo unstable

Several antibiotics target distinct functional states or binding sites within EF-Tu, disrupting bacterial protein synthesis.