[5][6][7][8] The protein encoded by this gene phosphorylates the alpha subunit of eukaryotic translation-initiation factor 2 (EIF2), leading to its inactivation, and thus to a rapid reduction of translational initiation and repression of global protein synthesis.

It is a type I membrane protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where it is induced by ER stress caused by malfolded proteins.

[6] Patients with mutations in this gene develop Wolcott-Rallison syndrome.

[9] EIF2AK3 has been shown to interact with DNAJC3,[10] NFE2L2,[11] and endoplasmic reticulum chaperone BiP (Hsp70).

[12] This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.