Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 2 Alpha Subunit (eIF2α)

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha subunit (eIF2α) is the alpha subunit of the eIF2 protein complex, which plays a critical role in the initiation phase of eukaryotic protein synthesis. The eIF2 complex is a heterotrimer composed of three nonidentical subunits: alpha (EIF2S1), beta (EIF2S2), and gamma (EIF2S3). The activity of eIF2α is tightly regulated through phosphorylation at serine residue S51. Phosphorylation inhibits general translation initiation but allows selective translation of specific mRNAs involved in stress responses. Dysregulation can contribute to diseases such as diabetes and neuronal apoptosis. Salubrinal is an inhibitor that prevents dephosphorylation of phosphorylated eIF2α.

Other names

EIF2S1eIF-2alphaEukaryotic initiation factor 2 subunit alphaEIF21eIF21s1eIF21s-alphaeIF21-alphaalpha-eIF21human-eIF21-alphahuman-eIF21s-alphahuman-eIF21salpha-human-eIF21salpha-human-eIF21s-alphahuman protein synthesis initiation factor two subunit oneprotein synthesis initiation factor two sub-unit one

Inhibition of eIF2α dephosphorylation (Salubrinal)