EIF2S1 Antibody

Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 2 Subunit 1 Alpha (EIF2S1), also known as eIF2α, is a crucial component of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) complex. This complex plays a pivotal role in the initiation of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells. The EIF2S1 gene encodes the alpha subunit of this complex, which is essential for the regulation of translation initiation.

The eIF2 complex is a heterotrimer composed of three subunits: alpha (EIF2S1), beta (EIF2S2), and gamma (EIF2S3). The alpha subunit, EIF2S1, has a molecular weight of approximately 36 kDa . It is responsible for binding GTP and the initiator methionyl-tRNA (Met-tRNAi), forming a ternary complex that is essential for the initiation of translation .

During the initiation phase, the ternary complex binds to the 40S ribosomal subunit, forming the 43S pre-initiation complex (PIC). This complex then associates with mRNA, leading to the formation of the 48S initiation complex. The hydrolysis of GTP to GDP triggers the release of eIF2-GDP, allowing the 60S ribosomal subunit to join and form the 80S initiation complex, which is ready for translation elongation .

The activity of EIF2S1 is tightly regulated by phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of EIF2S1 at serine 51 by various kinases, such as EIF2AK3 (also known as PERK), leads to the inhibition of translation initiation. This phosphorylation event prevents the exchange of GDP for GTP, thereby reducing the formation of the ternary complex and slowing down protein synthesis . This regulatory mechanism is crucial for cellular responses to stress conditions, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress and viral infections .

Mouse anti-human EIF2S1 antibodies are commonly used in research to study the function and regulation of EIF2S1 in human cells. These antibodies are generated by immunizing mice with human EIF2S1 protein or peptides, leading to the production of specific antibodies that can recognize and bind to human EIF2S1. These antibodies are valuable tools for various applications, including Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence .

Research on EIF2S1 and its regulation has significant implications for understanding various biological processes and diseases. For example, dysregulation of EIF2S1 phosphorylation is associated with several diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic diseases . Studying EIF2S1 can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying these conditions and potentially lead to the development of therapeutic strategies.