EIF2S2

EIF2S2, also known as eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit beta, is a protein-coding gene. It encodes the beta subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2). This factor is a crucial component of the protein synthesis machinery, playing a key role in the initiation of translation, the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins from messenger RNA (mRNA) templates.

The eIF2 complex is a heterotrimer consisting of three subunits: alpha (eIF2A), beta (eIF2S2), and gamma (eIF2S1). The beta subunit, encoded by EIF2S2, is involved in binding to the GTP-binding protein eIF2gamma, forming a functional G-protein. It also interacts with other translation initiation factors and ribosomal subunits, contributing to the assembly of the 40S ribosomal subunit-mRNA complex. This assembly is a rate-limiting step in eukaryotic protein synthesis.

Variations or mutations in the EIF2S2 gene have been associated with certain developmental disorders, although the exact mechanisms are still under investigation. Research into the precise functions of EIF2S2 and its role in various cellular processes, including stress response and cell growth, continues to be an active area of study. Understanding EIF2S2 is vital for comprehending the fundamental processes of gene expression and its implications in health and disease.