Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B subunit alpha (eIF2B alpha)

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B subunit alpha is one of five non-identical subunits (α, β, γ, δ, ε) of the eIF2B enzyme complex. eIF2B acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), regenerating active GTP-bound eIF2 necessary for translation initiation. The alpha subunit is a key part of the regulatory core, modulating eIF2B’s response to cellular stress and phosphorylation signals. Its mutation or dysfunction impairs protein synthesis and can trigger severe neurological diseases such as vanishing white matter disease. The alpha subunit’s interaction with phosphorylated eIF2 alpha (eIF2α P) is central to cellular adaptive responses, making it a critical focal point in stress physiology and pathology.

Other names

eIF2B alphaEIF2B1GCN3 (yeast homolog)Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B regulatory subunit alpha

Modulators of eIF2B activity generally target its guanine nucleotide exchange activity (GEF), affecting the cellular response to phosphorylation of eIF2 alpha and protein synthesis rates.