Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 2 (eIF2)

Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 2 (eIF2) is a protein that plays a critical role in starting the process of protein synthesis in cells. It helps assemble the components needed to translate genetic instructions into proteins, specifically by delivering a molecule called methionyl-tRNA to the ribosome—the cell’s protein-making machinery. eIF2's activity is regulated by its ability to switch between active and inactive states through the addition or removal of phosphate groups. This regulation allows the cell to control when and how efficiently proteins are made, especially in response to stress or changes in the cellular environment.