EIF2AK4 Gene

Version	Summary	Created by	Modification	Content Size	Created at	Operation
1		Vivi Li	+ 326 word(s)	326	2020-12-15 07:51:25

This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/eif2ak4

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 4

genes

1. Normal Function

The EIF2AK4 gene provides instructions for making a protein that helps direct a cell's response to changes that could damage the cell. This protein is found in several tissues throughout the body, including blood vessel walls. The EIF2AK4 protein can turn on (activate) another protein called eIF2 alpha (eIF2α), which helps control protein production. When cells are under stress, for example when the level of protein building blocks (amino acids) is too low, EIF2AK4 activates eIF2α. When turned on, eIF2α stimulates processes that reduce protein production, which helps conserve amino acids. In addition, activated eIF2α can trigger production of certain proteins called transcription factors, which control gene activity. The transcription factors regulated by eIF2α control the activity of genes involved in processes that help reduce the stress on the cell.

2. Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

2.1 Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease

Mutations in the EIF2AK4 gene are the primary genetic cause of a condition called pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD); at least 22 mutations in this gene have been found in affected individuals. In PVOD, excess fibrous tissue builds up in the small vessels in the lungs that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart (the pulmonary veins). This buildup narrows (occludes) the vessels and impairs blood flow. Because blood flow through the lungs is difficult, pressure rises in the vessels that carry blood that needs to be oxygenated to the lungs from the heart (pulmonary arteries). Increased pressure in these vessels is known as pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The EIF2AK4 gene mutations involved in PVOD likely lead to a complete loss of functional protein. It is not known how absence of EIF2AK4 protein function leads to the pulmonary vein abnormalities characteristic of PVOD.

2.2 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

3. Other Names for This Gene

E2AK4_HUMAN
eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha kinase 4
GCN2
GCN2 eIF2alpha kinase
GCN2-like protein
general control nonderepressible 2
KIAA1338
PVOD2

References

Deval C, Chaveroux C, Maurin AC, Cherasse Y, Parry L, Carraro V, Milenkovic D,Ferrara M, Bruhat A, Jousse C, Fafournoux P. Amino acid limitation regulates the expression of genes involved in several specific biological processes throughGCN2-dependent and GCN2-independent pathways. FEBS J. 2009 Feb;276(3):707-18.doi: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2008.06818.x.
Donnelly N, Gorman AM, Gupta S, Samali A. The eIF2α kinases: their structures and functions. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2013 Oct;70(19):3493-511. doi:10.1007/s00018-012-1252-6.
Eyries M, Montani D, Girerd B, Perret C, Leroy A, Lonjou C, Chelghoum N,Coulet F, Bonnet D, Dorfmüller P, Fadel E, Sitbon O, Simonneau G, Tregouët DA,Humbert M, Soubrier F. EIF2AK4 mutations cause pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, a recessive form of pulmonary hypertension. Nat Genet. 2014 Jan;46(1):65-9. doi: 10.1038/ng.2844.
Murguía JR, Serrano R. New functions of protein kinase Gcn2 in yeast andmammals. IUBMB Life. 2012 Dec;64(12):971-4. doi: 10.1002/iub.1090.

©Text is available under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons-Attribution ShareAlike (CC BY-SA) license; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Upload a video for this entry

Information

Subjects: Genetics & Heredity

Contributor MDPI registered users' name will be linked to their SciProfiles pages. To register with us, please refer to https://encyclopedia.pub/register :

Vivi Li

View Times: 375

Entry Collection: MedlinePlus

Update Date: 25 Dec 2020

Table of Contents

Video Upload Options

Confirm