Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B subunit beta (EIF2B2)

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B subunit beta (EIF2B2) is one of five subunits forming the eIF2B complex, a key regulator of protein synthesis initiation in eukaryotic cells. It acts as part of the regulatory core that modulates eIF2B's guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activity, specifically controlling exchange of GDP for GTP on the eIF2 complex, which is required for methionyl-initiator tRNA delivery to ribosomes. EIF2B2 and its associated complex play a central role in the integrated stress response, where regulation of protein synthesis allows cells to cope with physiological stress conditions. Mutations in EIF2B2 are a known cause of leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter, a severe neurological disorder marked by progressive breakdown of white matter in the brain. While the beta subunit itself is not currently a direct therapeutic target of approved drugs, its role in core translation and disease pathogenesis makes it a point of interest for research, especially in neurodegeneration and cancer.

Other names

Translation initiation factor eIF2B subunit betaEIF2B2EIF2BEIF-2BbetaEIF2BbetaS20I15S20III15eIF2B GDP-GTP exchange factor subunit betaVWM2Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B, subunit 2 beta, 39kDa

Modulation of GDP/GTP exchange activity on eIF2; Regulation of cellular response to stress via ISR pathway modulation; Restoration of protein synthesis via ISRIB or similar molecules (acts on eIF2B complex, not specifically beta subunit).