Overview:

EIF2AK3 phosphorylates the alpha subunit of eukaryotic translation-initiation factor 2 (EIF2) leading to its inactivation and a rapid reduction of translational initiation and repression of global protein synthesis. EIF2AK3 is a type I membrane protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where it is induced by ER stress caused by malfolded proteins (1). EIF2AK3 plays a major role in the ability of cells to adapt to ER stress and is also involved in an integrated adaptive response to hypoxic stress in HeLa cells (2). EIF2AK3 functions in iron homeostasis and may play a role in hemolytic and inflammatory anemia.

Gene Aliases:

PERK, PEK, WRS, HRI, DKFZp781H1925

Genbank Number:

NM_004836

References:

1. Harding, H. P. et.al: EIF2AK3 is essential for translational regulation and cell survival during the unfolded protein response. Molec. Cell 5: 897-904, 2000.

2. Blais, J. D. et.al: Activating transcription factor 4 is translationally regulated by hypoxic stress. Molec. Cell. Biol. 24: 7469-7482, 2004.