The eukaryotic initiation factor 2D (EIF2D), also known as HSPC148 or LGTN, is a multifunctional protein involved in translation initiation and ribosome recycling. Unlike canonical initiation factors, EIF2D operates under stress conditions when global protein synthesis is inhibited, facilitating alternative translation pathways. It plays a role in binding and stabilizing mRNAs, particularly those with internal ribosome entry sites (IRES), enabling translation during cellular stress, viral infection, or apoptosis. Structurally, EIF2D contains lysine-rich domains (LysM) that mediate interactions with ribosomes and nucleic acids.
Antibodies targeting EIF2D are critical tools for studying its regulatory mechanisms in stress responses, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Research shows EIF2D dysregulation correlates with tumor progression and chemoresistance, while its involvement in viral IRES-driven translation highlights therapeutic potential. EIF2D antibodies are used in techniques like immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation to explore its expression, localization, and protein-RNA interactions. However, its functional complexity and overlap with other translation factors necessitate careful experimental validation to ensure specificity. Current studies continue to unravel its dual roles in cell survival and death, positioning EIF2D as a biomarker or therapeutic target in stress-related pathologies.