Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2 (EIF4EBP2)

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2 (EIF4EBP2) is a regulated inhibitor of translation initiation, predominantly by binding to eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (EIF4E) and preventing assembly of the eIF4F complex, thereby repressing cap-dependent mRNA translation. EIF4EBP2 is enriched in the brain, where it plays a key role in synaptic plasticity, neuronal stem cell maintenance, learning and memory formation. This inhibitory effect is reversed upon phosphorylation by kinases such as mTORC1, which reduces EIF4EBP2 affinity for EIF4E, allowing protein synthesis to proceed. Loss or dysregulation of EIF4EBP2 is implicated in neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism-like phenotypes in animal models, and has potential roles in cancer and response to viral infection through regulation of cell proliferation and protein production.

Other names

4E-BP2eIF4E-binding protein 24EBP2PHAS-IIPHASIIHeat and acid stable regulated by insulin protein IIEukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 2Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2, phosphorylated

Inhibition of translation initiation by binding to EIF4E and preventing its assembly into the eIF4F complex; phosphorylation by mTORC1 reduces affinity for EIF4E, permitting protein synthesis.