Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 2C4 (EIF2C4)

EIF2C4 encodes a member of the Argonaute family of proteins which play a role in RNA interference. The encoded protein is highly basic containing PAZ and PIWI domains, and it may play a role in short-interfering-RNA-mediated gene silencing. This gene is located on chromosome 1 in a cluster of closely related family members including argonaute 3, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2C, 1.

The deduced 924-amino acid protein shares 80% identity with rabbit translation initiation factor Eif2c. RT-PCR followed by ELISA revealed intermediate and nearly uniform levels of expression in all tissues and specific brain regions tested.