EIF4A2 (Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4A, Isoform 2), also called EIF4F or DDX2B, is an ATP dependent RNA helicase which is a subunit of the eIF4F complex involved in cap recognition. It is required for mRNA binding to the ribosome. In the current model of translation initiation, eIF4A unwinds RNA secondary structures in the 5'-UTR of mRNAs which is necessary to allow efficient binding of the small ribosomal subunit, and subsequent scanning for the initiator codon. This protein is involved in the binding of mRNA to 40S subunit of ribosome, ubiquitous with high expression in skeletal muscle and ovary. Diseases associated with EIF4A2 include Retinitis Pigmentosa 29 and X-Linked Hereditary Ataxia. Among its related pathways are the TGFb pathway and Apoptotic pathways in Synovial Fibroblasts.
