InterPro domain: IPR036211

The eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (eIF4G) is the core of a multicomponent switch controlling gene expression at the level of translation initiation. It interacts with the small ribosomal subunit interacting protein, eIF3, and the eIF4E/cap-mRNA complex in order to load the ribosome onto mRNA during cap-dependent translation [ 1 ].

This entry represents the eIF4E-binding domain of eIF4G [ 2 ]. Binding of this domain to its substrate triggers a coupled folding transition where it forms a right-handed helical ring that wraps around the N terminus of eIF4E.

1. Ribosome loading onto the mRNA cap is driven by conformational coupling between eIF4G and eIF4E. Cell 115, 739-50