EIF4A2
EIF4A2 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A2, also known as DDX2B, EIF4A, BM-010 and EIF4F) is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase and a subunit of the eIF4F complex. It unwinds secondary structure in the 5'-UTR of mRNAs to support translation initiation. Browse Assay Genie's current range of EIF4A2 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
EIF4A2 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that acts as a subunit of the eIF4F complex, which is involved in cap recognition and is required for mRNA binding to the ribosome. In the current model of translation initiation, eIF4A unwinds RNA secondary structures in the 5'-UTR of mRNAs. This unwinding allows efficient binding of the small ribosomal subunit and the subsequent scanning for the initiator codon. Consistent with its enzymatic role, the protein enables ATP hydrolysis activity.
The EIF4A2 gene encodes eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-II, which belongs to the DEAD box helicase family and the eIF4A subfamily. HGNC places it in the DEAD-box helicases gene group, and also lists it among the microRNA protein coding host genes and small nucleolar RNA protein coding host genes. Mouse and rat both carry an orthologous Eif4a2 gene. NCBI Gene reports that the protein is located in the perinuclear region of the cytoplasm and is involved in negative regulation of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity.
The gene has previously been named eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A, isoform 2, and the aliases DDX2B, EIF4A, BM-010 and EIF4F are still found in the literature. EIF4A2 is implicated in a neurodevelopmental disorder with hypotonia and speech delay, which makes it a point of interest for researchers studying how translation initiation factors relate to neurodevelopment. Related eIF4A family members, such as EIF4A1 and EIF4A3, and partners in the eIF4F complex, such as EIF4E and EIF4G1, are often studied alongside it.
EIF4A2 is a subunit of eIF4F and unwinds 5'-UTR secondary structure so the small ribosomal subunit can bind and scan for the initiator codon.
As a DEAD box helicase of the eIF4A subfamily, EIF4A2 is a model for ATP-dependent RNA unwinding, with ATP hydrolysis activity.
EIF4A2 is implicated in a neurodevelopmental disorder with hypotonia and speech delay, linking translation control to brain development.
EIF4A2 is involved in negative regulation of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity, an area relevant to RNA metabolism studies.
EIF4A2 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase and a subunit of the eIF4F complex, which is involved in cap recognition and mRNA binding to the ribosome. It unwinds secondary structure in the 5'-UTR of mRNAs, allowing the small ribosomal subunit to bind and scan for the initiator codon.
EIF4A2 is also known as DDX2B, EIF4A, BM-010 and EIF4F. Its previous name was eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A, isoform 2, and UniProt calls the protein eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-II. Check the alias used in a given paper or datasheet before comparing results.
Mouse and rat each have an orthologous Eif4a2 gene. The human gene is implicated in a neurodevelopmental disorder with hypotonia and speech delay. Researchers should check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity before choosing a reagent for a given species.
Other eIF4A family members, eIF4F complex partners and translation initiation factors with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q14240; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.