eIF2α is the α subunit of eukaryotic inhibition factor 2, which also includes eIF2β and eIF2γ subunits and is involved in the initiation of translation.1 eIF2α is composed of a globular N-terminal domain, which contains an S1 domain and an α-helical domain, and a globular C-terminal domain.2 eIF2α can be phosphorylated at serine 51 by the eIF2α kinases HRI/EIF2AK1, PKR/EIF2AK2, PERK/EIF2AK3, and GCN2/EIF2AK4 following various cell and ER stressors, viral invasion, or nutrient deprivation, among other factors.3,4,5 Phosphorylation of eIF2α at serine 51 promotes the interaction between eIF2α and the guanine nucleotide exchange factor eIF2B, which inhibits eIF2B activity and prevents the initiation of translation, reducing global protein synthesis in the cell.1 The transcription of specific factors involved in the integrated stress response (ISR), such as ATF4, is upregulated by eIF2α phosphorylation.3 Dephosphorylation of eIF2α by the protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) complex, which includes GADD34 and CReP, terminates the ISR and returns protein synthesis back to basal levels. Cayman’s eIF2α (Phospho-Ser51) Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody (Clone RM298) can be used for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot (WB) applications.WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
