Alexa Fluor® 488 Anti-eIF2A antibody [EPR11042]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

The eIF2A also referred to as eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A is a protein involved in the initiation of mRNA translation. The eIF2A protein is distinct from eIF2α despite the similarity in their names. Its molecular weight is approximately 65 kDa. Expression of eIF2A occurs mainly in the cytoplasm of cells where it participates in the protein synthesis process. eIF2A functions as a mediator that targets the initiator methionylated-tRNA to the small ribosomal subunit in a manner independent from eIF2 complex.

Biological function summary

EIF2A impacts the translation mechanism by facilitating the binding of Met-tRNAi to the ribosome under particular conditions especially during stress responses where canonical eIF2 might be inhibited. It operates independently from the larger eIF2 complex which also includes eIF2β and eIF2γ subunits. This independent activity allows eIF2A to serve as a backup mechanism for translation initiation when the normal pathway is impaired.

Pathways

Translation regulation involves interaction with cellular stress pathways and the integrated stress response (ISR). eIF2A operates within pathways that respond to physiological stresses such as nutrient deprivation and oxidative stress which trigger alterations in protein synthesis rates. eIF2A is related to the eIF2 kinase which phosphorylates the α subunit of eIF2 leading to a general reduction in translation initiation under stress allowing selective translation of stress-response proteins.

Associated diseases and disorders

Irregularities in eIF2A function link to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and metabolic disorders like diabetes. These conditions often involve disruptions in the stress response pathways where eIF2A participates. The protein participates with others like PERK a kinase that phosphorylates eIF2α under endoplasmic reticulum stress contributing to disease-related changes in protein synthesis. By modulating translation under stress eIF2A becomes significant in these pathological contexts.