Eif4e - eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E

This gene encodes a component of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4F complex, which recognizes the 7-methylguanosine cap structure at the 5' end of messenger RNAs. The encoded protein aids in translation initiation by recruiting ribosomes to the 5'-cap structure. Association of this protein with the 4F complex is the rate-limiting step in translation initiation. This gene acts as a proto-oncogene, and its expression and activation is associated with transformation and tumorigenesis. It has also been associated with autism spectrum disorders. Consistently, knockout of this gene results in increased translation of neuroligins, postsynaptic proteins linked to autism spectrum disorders. Pseudogenes of this gene are found on other chromosomes. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2015]