EIF2A
EIF2A (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A, also written EIF-2A) is a WD repeat protein that acts in the early steps of protein synthesis for a small number of specific mRNAs. It directs methionyl-tRNAi to the 40S ribosomal subunit in a codon-dependent manner. Browse Assay Genie's current range of EIF2A research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
EIF2A functions in the early steps of protein synthesis, but only for a small number of specific mRNAs. It acts by directing the binding of methionyl-tRNAi to 40S ribosomal subunits. NCBI Gene describes the encoded factor as catalysing the formation of puromycin-sensitive 80S preinitiation complexes and the poly(U)-directed synthesis of polyphenylalanine at low concentrations of Mg2+.
The key mechanistic point is how EIF2A differs from the canonical eIF-2 complex. The eIF-2 complex binds methionyl-tRNAi to 40S subunits in a GTP-dependent manner, whereas EIF2A does so in a codon-dependent manner. This is why the two should not be confused: the EIF2A gene is separate from EIF2S1, which encodes eIF2-alpha, the alpha subunit of the eIF2 initiation complex. Both proteins bind initiator tRNA to the 40S subunit, but by different requirements. Researchers searching for an EIF2A antibody, EIF2A ELISA kit or EIF2A protein should therefore check that the reagent is directed at this factor and not at eIF2-alpha.
EIF2A belongs to the WD repeat EIF2A family and sits in the HGNC gene group of WD repeat domain containing proteins. The earlier HGNC name was eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A, 65kDa. Alternative splicing of the EIF2A gene gives rise to multiple transcript variants that encode different isoforms. The mouse and rat orthologues are listed as Eif2s1 in the supplied data.
EIF2A directs methionyl-tRNAi to 40S subunits in a codon-dependent manner, making it a point of comparison with the GTP-dependent eIF-2 complex.
The factor functions in the early steps of protein synthesis for a small number of specific mRNAs, which suits studies of transcript-selective initiation.
EIF2A catalyses formation of puromycin-sensitive 80S preinitiation complexes, supporting work on how ribosomal initiation complexes are built.
As a member of the WD repeat EIF2A family, EIF2A is relevant to comparative studies of WD repeat domain containing proteins.
EIF2A functions in the early steps of protein synthesis for a small number of specific mRNAs. It directs the binding of methionyl-tRNAi to 40S ribosomal subunits, and it does so in a codon-dependent manner rather than the GTP-dependent manner used by the eIF-2 complex.
No. EIF2A is a separate gene from EIF2S1, which encodes eIF2-alpha, the alpha subunit of the eIF2 complex. Both bind initiator tRNA to the 40S subunit, but EIF2A is codon-dependent whereas the eIF2 complex requires GTP. Its alias is EIF-2A.
Yes. NCBI Gene reports that alternative splicing of the EIF2A gene produces multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms. The protein belongs to the WD repeat EIF2A family. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity and the isoforms it recognises.
Other translation initiation factors, eIF2 complex components and regulatory kinases with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9BY44; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.