Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit K (EIF3K)

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit K (EIF3K) is the smallest and highly conserved subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) complex, which is essential for the initiation of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells[1][3][6]. EIF3K contains a HEAT analogous motif (HAM) domain and a winged-helix (WH) domain, enabling protein-protein and RNA interactions within and beyond the eIF3 complex[1][3]. As part of eIF3, EIF3K binds the 40S ribosomal subunit, helping form the preinitiation complex and regulating mRNA recruitment—typically acting as a negative modulator of ribosomal protein synthesis and overall global translation[5][6]. EIF3K also influences cell cycle control, apoptosis (e.g., interacting with keratin 18 and caspases in epithelial cells), and cellular stress responses, as well as receptor trafficking mechanisms[1][2][5]. Depletion of EIF3K can promote cell proliferation, confer resistance to cellular stress, and may be linked to cancer biology based on its function as a translational repressor[5][7]. Disease associations include certain vascular disorders and relevance in tumor growth regulation[6]. No approved drugs directly target EIF3K, and its systemic regulatory roles present both therapeutic opportunities and challenges.

Other names

EIF3KEIF3S12ARG134HSPC029MSTP001PTD001eIF3kPRO1474PLAC-24M9Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit 12Muscle-specific gene M9 proteineIF-3 p25eIF-3 p28EIF3-p28PLAC24

Most relevant literature describes EIF3K as a regulator of translation and cell proliferation; no approved drugs directly target EIF3K. Mechanisms in research include modulation of ribosomal protein production, influencing mRNA translation