Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B subunit gamma (EIF2B3)

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B subunit gamma (EIF2B3) is a core component of the eIF2B complex, which serves as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor essential for recycling eIF2-bound GDP to GTP—a critical step for the initiation phase of mRNA translation in eukaryotic cells. EIF2B3 forms part of a multisubunit complex that regulates overall protein synthesis and modulates the integrated cellular stress response. Mutations in EIF2B3 are strongly implicated in vanishing white matter (VWM) disease, a severe neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of central nervous system myelin. EIF2B3 also participates in specialized translation mechanisms, such as internal ribosome entry in viral infections, and contributes to proper glial cell differentiation and white matter integrity. The gene is widely expressed, especially in the brain and glial cells, reflecting its fundamental role in neurobiology

Other names

Translation initiation factor eIF2B subunit gammaEIF2BgammaEIF-2BeIF2B GDP-GTP exchange factor subunit gammaVWM3eIF-2B GDP-GTP exchange factor subunit gammaeif2b3eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B, subunit 3 gamma58kDa

None established for approved drugs; theoretical mechanisms include modulation of eIF2B-mediated guanine nucleotide exchange to influence translation initiation and stress response pathways