EIF2B: Recent structural and functional insights into a key regulator of translation

Noel C. Wortham, Christopher G. Proud

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) eIF2B is a key regulator of mRNA translation, being the guanine nt exchange factor (GEF) responsible for the recycling of the heterotrimeric G-protein, eIF2, which is required to allow translation initiation to occur. Unusually for a GEF, eIF2B is a multi-subunit protein, comprising five different subunits termed α through ε in order of increasing size. eIF2B is subject to tight regulation in the cell and may also serve additional functions. Here we review recent insights into the subunit organization of the mammalian eIF2B complex, gained both from structural studies of the complex and from studies of mutations of eIF2B that result in the neurological disorder leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter (VWM). We will also discuss recent data from yeast demonstrating a novel function of the eIF2B complex key for translational regulation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1234-1240
Number of pages7
JournalBiochemical Society Transactions
Volume43
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - 1 Dec 2015

Keywords

  • Eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (eIF2B)
  • Integrated stress response
  • Integrated stress response inhibitor (ISRIB)
  • Protein synthesis
  • Vanishing white matter

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry

Cite this