Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is a component of the eIF4 complex that specifically binds to the methyl-7-guanosine cap structure at the 5’ end of eukaryotic mRNA to initiate translation.1,2,3 Nuclear eIF4E promotes export of mRNAs that contain the eIF4E sensitivity element (4E-SE) to the cytosol while cytosolic eIF4E, in a complex with eIF4A and eIF4G1/eIF4G3, mediates recruitment of mRNAs to the ribosome to initiate cap-dependent translation.3,1 eIF14E activity is regulated by eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs), which bind eIF4E to prevent eIF4 complex assembly and subsequent translation.3 Overexpression of eIF4E is observed in approximately 30% of human malignancies, including breast, colon, and head and neck carcinomas, and acute myeloid leukemias, particularly M4 and M5 subtypes, as well as prostate cancers.3,4,5 Increased eIF4E expression leads to increased translation of oncogenic mRNAs, such as those encoding VEGF and cyclin D1, and contributes to cancer cell survival and proliferation.WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
