Structure and sequence of the gene encoding the α-subunit of rat translation initiation factor-2B

Eukaryotic initiation factor-2B (eIF-2B) is a heteropentameric quanine nucleotide exchange factor involve in the recycling of eIF-2 during the translation phase of protein synthesis. The activity of eIF-2B is controlled by diverse mechanisms under a wide range of conditions. As part of our studies into the control of the expression of eIF-2B subunit mRNAs, we have isolated and characterized the rat gene encoding the α-subunit of eIF-2B. The gene is comprised of 9 exons which are contained within 8.5 kb of genomic DNA. A comparison of the 5′-flanking region of the gene with that of the previously isolated eIF-2Bε{lunate} gene reveals that both possess a potential binding site for the α-Pal transcription factor as well as several other regions of homology.