Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1 (eIF4A1)

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1 (eIF4A1) is an **ATP-dependent RNA helicase** and a core component of the eIF4F translation initiation complex, which also includes eIF4E and eIF4G. eIF4A1 belongs to the **DEAD box helicase family**, distinguished by their conserved DEAD motif, and is primarily responsible for **unwinding secondary structures** in the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of mRNAs, facilitating efficient ribosome loading and scanning to locate the start codon for translation[1][2][5][6]. eIF4A1 plays a central role in **cap-dependent translation initiation**. Its expression and function are regulated through interactions with co-factors such as eIF4G, eIF4B, and eIF4H, which enhance its helicase activity[2][4]. eIF4A1-mediated translation is crucial for cell growth and proliferation. Dysregulation or overactivity of eIF4A1 has been implicated in several **cancers**, including acute myeloid leukemia and other hematologic malignancies, by promoting translation of oncogenic mRNAs with complex 5’-UTRs[3]. eIF4A1 is thus considered a viable **anticancer therapeutic target**, with several experimental inhibitors under investigation.

Other names

Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-IDDX2AEIF4AEukaryotic translation initiation factor 4AIsoform 1

Inhibition of ATP-dependent RNA helicase activity, impeding mRNA unwinding necessary for translation initiation—targeting eIF4A1 blocks assembly of the eIF4F complex and translation of oncogenic mRNAs