Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 2B4 (EIF2B4)

Eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (EIF2B), which is necessary for protein synthesis, is a GTP exchange factor composed of five different subunits. The protein encoded by this gene is the fourth, or delta, subunit. Defects in this gene are a cause of leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter (VWM) and ovarioleukodystrophy. Eif2b4, one containing 544 amino acids and the other containing 524 amino acids. The isoforms differ at their N termini. Northern blot analysis revealed wide expression of a 1.9-kb Eif2b4 transcript in mouse. Western blot analysis showed expression of an approximately 60-kD protein, close to the predicted size. The 525-amino acid rat protein is 96% identical to the 524-amino acid mouse isoform.