EIF2A Gene - Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 2A

EIF2A (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 3q27.2. It encodes a 65 kDa protein that functions as a translation initiation factor, specifically binding to initiator methionyl-tRNA and promoting the formation of the 43S preinitiation complex. EIF2A is involved in cap-dependent and cap-independent translation, particularly under stress conditions such as amino acid starvation or viral infection. The gene is conserved across eukaryotes and plays a role in cellular stress responses and protein synthesis regulation.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• Eukaryotic Translation Initiation (Reactome: R-HSA-72613)

• Cap-dependent Translation Initiation (Reactome: R-HSA-72737)

• Translation (KEGG: hsa03010)

EIF2A is a 65 kDa protein (585 amino acids) that functions as a translation initiation factor. It contains a conserved SUI1 domain and binds to the initiator methionyl-tRNA (Met-tRNAi) to facilitate its recruitment to the 40S ribosomal subunit. Unlike the canonical eIF2 complex, EIF2A can function independently under stress conditions, such as amino acid deprivation or viral infection, to promote translation of specific mRNAs. The protein is ubiquitously expressed, with highest levels in brain and testis. Structural studies show it forms a beta-barrel fold that interacts with RNA and ribosomal components.