eIF4E: Proteins and Enzymes

Eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) are heterotrimeric initiation complexes that form on the ribosome during protein synthesis. Each eIF serves a distinct function during protein synthesis to help attach, assemble, and drive the ribosome along the mRNA. eIF4E interacts with the 7-methyl-GTP cap structure to facilitate the initiation and rate of translation of mRNA. Together with eIF4G and eIF4A, it forms the eIF4F complex. eIF4E activity has been shown to play a role in cell cycle progression, tumorigenesis, embryonic development, nuclear export and synaptic plasticity.