EIF4ENIF1

The protein encoded by this gene is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttle protein for the translation initiation factor eIF4E. This shuttle protein interacts with the importin alpha-beta complex to mediate nuclear import of eIF4E. It is predominantly cytoplasmic; its own nuclear import is regulated by a nuclear localization signal and nuclear export signals. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq]

Full Name

eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E nuclear import factor 1

Research Area

EIF4E-binding protein that regulates translation and stability of mRNAs in processing bodies (P-bodies) (PubMed:16157702, PubMed:24335285, PubMed:27342281, PubMed:32354837).

Plays a key role in P-bodies to coordinate the storage of translationally inactive mRNAs in the cytoplasm and prevent their degradation (PubMed:24335285, PubMed:32354837).

Acts as a binding platform for multiple RNA-binding proteins: promotes deadenylation of mRNAs via its interaction with the CCR4-NOT complex, and blocks decapping via interaction with eIF4E (EIF4E and EIF4E2), thereby protecting deadenylated and repressed mRNAs from degradation (PubMed:27342281, PubMed:32354837).

Component of a multiprotein complex that sequesters and represses translation of proneurogenic factors during neurogenesis (By similarity).

Promotes miRNA-mediated translational repression (PubMed:24335285, PubMed:27342281, PubMed:28487484).

Required for the formation of P-bodies (PubMed:16157702, PubMed:22966201, PubMed:27342281, PubMed:32354837).

Involved in mRNA translational repression mediated by the miRNA effector TNRC6B by protecting TNRC6B-targeted mRNAs from decapping and subsequent decay (PubMed:32354837).

Also acts as a nucleoplasmic shuttling protein, which mediates the nuclear import of EIF4E and DDX6 by a piggy-back mechanism (PubMed:10856257, PubMed:28216671).

Biological Process

Gene silencing by RNA Source: UniProtKB-KW
mRNA stabilization Source: UniProtKB
Negative regulation of deadenylation-dependent decapping of nuclear-transcribed mRNA Source: UniProtKB
Negative regulation of neuron differentiation Source: Ensembl
Negative regulation of translation Source: UniProtKB
P-body assembly Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of miRNA mediated inhibition of translation Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of nuclear-transcribed mRNA poly(A) tail shortening Source: UniProtKB
Protein import into nucleus Source: UniProtKB
Stem cell population maintenance Source: Ensembl

Cellular Location

Nucleus; PML body; Nucleus speckle; Cytoplasm; P-body. Predominantly cytoplasmic (PubMed:10856257). Mainly localizes to processing bodies (P-bodies) (PubMed:16157702). Shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm in a CRM1-dependent manner (PubMed:10856257). Localization to nuclear foci and speckles requires active transcription (PubMed:22090346).

PTM

Phosphorylation by MAPK8/JNK1 and or MAPK9/JNK2 in response to oxidative stress promotes P-body assembly (PubMed:22966201). Phosphorylated during meiotic maturation (By similarity).