EF1A2

EF1A2, or eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2, is a protein-coding gene that encodes the alpha subunit 2 of the eukaryotic elongation factor 1 (EF-1) complex. The EF-1 complex delivers aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome during mRNA translation, hydrolyzing GTP to promote correct codon–anticodon pairing and peptide elongation. EF1A2 is one of two vertebrate cytoplasmic elongation factor 1 alpha isoforms, the other being EF1A1. The two isoforms are highly similar but show distinct expression patterns and, in some species, functional specialization.

In humans, EF1A1 is expressed broadly across tissues, while EF1A2 expression is developmentally regulated and largely restricted to neurons and skeletal and cardiac muscle. EF1A2 may be detectable at lower levels in other tissues or under certain pathological conditions, including cancer. The protein is thought to function primarily in translation, but there is evidence for non-translational roles in cytoskeletal organization and signaling in some contexts, where it can contribute to cell growth or survival.

Clinical significance: EEF1A2 has been implicated as a potential oncogene in certain cancers. Amplification and/or overexpression of EEF1A2 have been reported in subsets of ovarian and breast cancers, and increased EF1A2 levels have been associated with tumorigenic properties in some studies. Because EF1A proteins are essential for protein synthesis, targeting EF1A2 therapeutically presents challenges, but its tumor-restricted expression in some contexts makes it of interest as a biomarker or research target. Mouse models show that loss of EEF1A2 leads to neurodegeneration and early death, indicating non-redundant roles with EF1A1 in the nervous system.