EIF2B1 Human

Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 2B Subunit 1 Alpha (EIF2B1) is a crucial component of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B (eIF2B) complex. This complex plays a pivotal role in the regulation of protein synthesis, a fundamental process in cellular biology. The human recombinant form of EIF2B1 is used in various research and therapeutic applications.

EIF2B1 is one of the five subunits of the eIF2B complex, which also includes EIF2B2, EIF2B3, EIF2B4, and EIF2B5 . The eIF2B complex functions as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2). Specifically, EIF2B1 catalyzes the exchange of GDP for GTP on the eIF2 gamma subunit . This exchange is a critical step in the initiation of protein synthesis, as it allows the formation of the ternary complex consisting of eIF2, GTP, and methionyl-initiator methionine tRNA .

The activity of the eIF2B complex is tightly regulated and is essential for maintaining proper cellular function. When eIF2 is phosphorylated on its alpha subunit, the GEF activity of eIF2B is inhibited, leading to a reduction in global protein synthesis . This regulatory mechanism is crucial for cellular responses to stress, such as nutrient deprivation or viral infection .

Mutations in the EIF2B1 gene and other genes encoding eIF2B subunits have been associated with a rare genetic disorder known as leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter (VWM) . This disorder is characterized by the progressive loss of white matter in the brain, leading to neurological symptoms. Understanding the function and regulation of EIF2B1 is therefore important for developing potential therapeutic strategies for VWM and related conditions.

The human recombinant form of EIF2B1 is widely used in research to study the mechanisms of protein synthesis and its regulation. It is also used in the development of assays to screen for potential therapeutic compounds that can modulate eIF2B activity .