Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5 (EIF5)

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5 (EIF5) is a highly conserved multifunctional protein essential for accurate initiation of eukaryotic protein synthesis. EIF5 acts primarily as a GTPase-activating factor for eIF2, facilitating the hydrolysis of GTP and thereby regulating the assembly and progression of the 43S pre-initiation complex. Its C-terminal domain serves as a scaffold for interactions with other initiation factors, including eIF1 and eIF3, orchestrating the correct selection of the start codon and ensuring translation fidelity. Structurally, EIF5 comprises an N-terminal GAP domain and an alpha-helical C-terminal domain involved in protein-protein interactions. Dysregulation of EIF5 can contribute to disease states such as cancer, due to its central role in cellular proliferation through protein synthesis. There are currently no direct pharmacological inhibitors of EIF5 in clinical use, and therapeutic targeting is challenged by potential cytotoxicity due to its ubiquitous role in gene expression.

Other names

eIF5EIF5Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5Translation initiation factor IF-5EIF-5eIF-5

Not applicable (as there are no direct drugs for EIF5 documented); hypothetically, inhibition would disrupt translation initiation. Mechanism for potential targeting: blockade of EIF5’s GAP activity or disruption of scaffold function would impair GTP hydrolysis and pre-initiation complex assembly, leading to reduced or erroneous translation initiation.