EIF4A2s

EIF4A2 is a eukaryotic translation initiation factor. It is a member of the DEAD-box family of ATP-dependent RNA helicases, characterized by the presence of conserved Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp (DEAD) motif in their amino acid sequence. EIF4A2 plays a crucial role in the initiation phase of protein synthesis by unwinding secondary structures in messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. This unwinding activity is essential for the ribosome to efficiently bind to the mRNA and begin translation.

The EIF4A2 protein is a component of the EIF4F complex, a multi-subunit assembly that binds to the 5' cap of eukaryotic mRNAs. Within this complex, EIF4A2 works in conjunction with other factors to facilitate the scanning of the mRNA by the 40S ribosomal subunit, leading to the identification of the start codon. While EIF4A1 is considered the primary translation initiation factor within the EIF4F complex, EIF4A2 has also been shown to contribute to translation, particularly in specific cellular contexts or under certain stress conditions. Research suggests that EIF4A2 may have distinct roles or regulatory mechanisms compared to EIF4A1, highlighting a potential for specialization within the EIF4A family. Dysregulation of EIF4A2 has been implicated in various cellular processes and diseases, underscoring its importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis.