Plasmodium falciparum eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 (PfeEF2) (PfeEF2)

Plasmodium falciparum eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 (PfeEF2) is an essential GTPase that mediates the translocation of the ribosome along messenger RNA during the elongation phase of protein synthesis [UniProt Q8I5S1]. This protein is vital for the parasite's survival across multiple stages of its life cycle, including the liver, asexual blood, and sexual stages [Baragaña et al., 2015, Nature]. PfeEF2 has emerged as a high-priority antimalarial drug target due to its structural divergence from the human ortholog, which allows for the development of highly selective inhibitors. Small molecules such as M5717 (formerly DDD107498) bind to PfeEF2 and block protein synthesis, leading to rapid parasite clearance [Medicines for Malaria Venture, 2023]. Resistance to such inhibitors can arise through specific point mutations in the PfeEF2 gene, which serve as critical biomarkers for monitoring drug efficacy.

Other names

eEF2Elongation factor 2PF3D7_1451100Translation elongation factor 2

Inhibition of the translocation step during protein translation by binding to the elongation factor and preventing its movement on the ribosome [Baragaña et al., 2015, Nature].