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Normal Function
The EIF2AK4 gene provides instructions for making a protein that helps direct a cell's response to changes that could damage the cell. This protein is found in several tissues throughout the body, including blood vessel walls. The EIF2AK4 protein can turn on (activate) another protein called eIF2 alpha (eIF2α), which helps control protein production. When cells are under stress, for example when the level of protein building blocks (amino acids) is too low, EIF2AK4 activates eIF2α. When turned on, eIF2α stimulates processes that reduce protein production, which helps conserve amino acids. In addition, activated eIF2α can trigger production of certain proteins called transcription factors, which control gene activity. The transcription factors regulated by eIF2α control the activity of genes involved in processes that help reduce the stress on the cell.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease
Mutations in the EIF2AK4 gene are the primary genetic cause of a condition called pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD); at least 22 mutations in this gene have been found in affected individuals. In PVOD, excess fibrous tissue builds up in the small vessels in the lungs that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart (the pulmonary veins). This buildup narrows (occludes) the vessels and impairs blood flow. Because blood flow through the lungs is difficult, pressure rises in the vessels that carry blood that needs to be oxygenated to the lungs from the heart (pulmonary arteries). Increased pressure in these vessels is known as pulmonary arterial hypertension.
The EIF2AK4 gene mutations involved in PVOD likely lead to a complete loss of functional protein. It is not known how absence of EIF2AK4 protein function leads to the pulmonary vein abnormalities characteristic of PVOD.
More About This Health ConditionPulmonary arterial hypertension
MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Pulmonary arterial hypertension
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- E2AK4_HUMAN
- eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha kinase 4
- GCN2
- GCN2 eIF2alpha kinase
- GCN2-like protein
- general control nonderepressible 2
- KIAA1338
- PVOD2
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Deval C, Chaveroux C, Maurin AC, Cherasse Y, Parry L, Carraro V, Milenkovic D, Ferrara M, Bruhat A, Jousse C, Fafournoux P. Amino acid limitation regulates the expression of genes involved in several specific biological processes through GCN2-dependent and GCN2-independent pathways. FEBS J. 2009 Feb;276(3):707-18. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2008.06818.x. Epub 2008 Dec 19. Citation on PubMed
- Donnelly N, Gorman AM, Gupta S, Samali A. The eIF2alpha kinases: their structures and functions. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2013 Oct;70(19):3493-511. doi: 10.1007/s00018-012-1252-6. Epub 2013 Jan 26. Citation on PubMed
- Eyries M, Montani D, Girerd B, Perret C, Leroy A, Lonjou C, Chelghoum N, Coulet F, Bonnet D, Dorfmuller P, Fadel E, Sitbon O, Simonneau G, Tregouet DA, Humbert M, Soubrier F. EIF2AK4 mutations cause pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, a recessive form of pulmonary hypertension. Nat Genet. 2014 Jan;46(1):65-9. doi: 10.1038/ng.2844. Epub 2013 Dec 1. Citation on PubMed
- Murguia JR, Serrano R. New functions of protein kinase Gcn2 in yeast and mammals. IUBMB Life. 2012 Dec;64(12):971-4. doi: 10.1002/iub.1090. Epub 2012 Nov 5. Citation on PubMed
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