Overview:

EIF4E is a eukaryotic translation initiation factor involved in directing ribosomes to the cap structure of mRNAs. EIF4E and is the rate-limiting component in protein synthesis. Overexpression of EIF4E causes malignant transformation (1). Overexpression of EIF4E in transgenic mice causes a marked increase in tumorigenesis. EIF4E is a potential physiological substrate for MNK1 and MNK2. MNK1 interacts with the EIF4F complex via its interaction with the C-terminal region of EIF4G, not through a direct interaction with EIF4E (2).

References:

1. Ruggero D, et al: The translation factor eIF-4E promotes tumor formation and cooperates with c-Myc in lymphomagenesis. Nature Med. 10: 484-486, 2004.

2. Waskiewicz A J, et al: Mitogen-activated protein kinases activate the serine/threonine kinases Mnk1 and Mnk2. EMBO J. 16: 1909-1920, 1997.