Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit H (EIF3H)

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit H (EIF3H) is a non-core, non-conserved subunit of the large, multi-protein eIF3 complex, critical for the initiation phase of eukaryotic protein synthesis. EIF3H contributes to recruitment and scanning of mRNA by ribosomes, and has unique regulatory roles in selective mRNA translation, particularly in developmental and tissue-specific contexts such as embryogenesis and neuronal development. Structurally, EIF3H belongs to the Jab1/Mov34/MPN+ (JAMM) metalloprotease family and may possess a zinc-binding metalloprotease domain with demonstrated deubiquitinase activity in biochemical studies, suggesting possible roles in ubiquitin-mediated protein regulation. In human cancers, EIF3H is implicated in promoting aberrant translation of oncogenes and is upregulated in several tumor types, where it may also interact with signaling pathways (e.g., RAF-MEK-ERK via the HAX1 axis). While it is not a primary drug target, its functional relevance in cancer progression and protein homeostasis makes it of emerging therapeutic interest. Safety concerns regarding its inhibition stem from its central role in global translation and organismal development.

Other names

EIF3HEIF3S3eIF3heIF3-gammaeIF3-p40eIF3 p40 subuniteukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit 3eIF-3-gammaeukaryotic translation initiation factor 3, subunit 2 (beta, 36kD)eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3, subunit 3 (gamma, 40kD)eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3, subunit 3 gamma, 40kDa

Not established for clinically approved drugs. Mechanistic targeting would include inhibition of translation initiation or deubiquitinase/metalloprotease activity.