Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A (EIF2A)

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A (EIF2A) is a 65 kDa protein encoded by the EIF2A gene in humans and is distinct from the more widely studied heterotrimeric eIF2 complex, particularly the eIF2α subunit. While EIF2A has been implicated in alternative translation initiation mechanisms, possibly involving internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) under stress conditions, its function and regulatory roles are not as well characterized as those of eIF2α or the eIF2 complex[3]. The major role of EIF2A appears to be facilitating the formation of puromycin-sensitive 80S preinitiation complexes, and it may have specific, debated roles in viral translation under stress[3]. Importantly, EIF2A should not be confused with the α subunit of the eIF2 complex (eIF2α), which undergoes phosphorylation in the integrated stress response (ISR) and is a major regulatory node in protein synthesis[1][2]. There is currently limited evidence that EIF2A is considered a therapeutic target, and it is not as biologically validated as eIF2α in canonical translation initiation or stress signaling. Further research is needed to fully clarify its physiological significance and disease associations.

Other names

CDA02MSTP004MSTP089eIF-2AEIF-2A65 kDa eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2AMST089eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A, 65 kDaeukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A, 65kDa