EIF4E

Function

Recognizes and binds the 7-methylguanosine-containing mRNA cap during an early step in the initiation of protein synthesis and facilitates ribosome binding by inducing the unwinding of the mRNAs secondary structures (PubMed:16271312, PubMed:22578813). In addition to its role in translation initiation, also acts as a regulator of translation and stability in the cytoplasm (PubMed:24335285). Component of the CYFIP1-EIF4E-FMR1 complex which binds to the mRNA cap and mediates translational repression: in the complex, EIF4E mediates the binding to the mRNA cap (By similarity). Component of a multiprotein complex that sequesters and represses translation of proneurogenic factors during neurogenesis (By similarity). In P-bodies, component of a complex that mediates the storage of translationally inactive mRNAs in the cytoplasm and prevents their degradation (PubMed:24335285). May play an important role in spermatogenesis through translational regulation of stage-specific mRNAs during germ cell development (By similarity).

Involvement in disease

Autism 19

AUTS19

A complex multifactorial, pervasive developmental disorder characterized by impairments in reciprocal social interaction and communication, restricted and stereotyped patterns of interests and activities, and the presence of developmental abnormalities by 3 years of age. Most individuals with autism also manifest moderate mental retardation.

None

Disease susceptibility is associated with variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. A heterozygous single-nucleotide insertion has been found in families affected by autism. The variant results in increased promoter activity and is involved in disease pathogenesis through EIF4E deregulation (PubMed:19556253).

A chromosomal aberration involving EIF4E has been found in a patient with classic autism. Translocation t(45)(q23q31.3). The breakpoint on chromosome 4 is located 56 kb downstream of EIF4E (PubMed:19556253).

Post-translational modifications

Phosphorylation increases the ability of the protein to bind to mRNA caps and to form the eIF4F complex.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E family.

Cellular localization

• Cytoplasm
• P-body
• Cytoplasm
• Cytoplasm
• Stress granule
• Nucleus
• Interaction with EIF4ENIF1/4E-T is required for localization to processing bodies (P-bodies) (PubMed:16157702, PubMed:24335285, PubMed:25923732). Imported in the nucleus via interaction with EIF4ENIF1/4E-T via a piggy-back mechanism (PubMed:10856257).

Alternative names

• Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E
• eIF-4E
• eIF4E
• eIF-4F 25 kDa subunit
• mRNA cap-binding protein
• EIF4F
• EIF4EL1
• EIF4E

Database links

• entrezGene:1977
• omim:133440
• swissprot:P06730

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Epigenetics

Molecular weight

25097Da