The protein encoded by this gene phosphorylates the alpha subunit of eukaryotic translation-initiation factor 2, leading to its inactivation, and thus to a rapid reduction of translational initiation and repression of global protein synthesis. This protein is thought to modulate mitochondrial function. It is a type I membrane protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where it is induced by ER stress caused by malfolded proteins. Mutations in this gene are associated with Wolcott-Rallison syndrome. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2015]
Alternative Names
2.7.11.1 eIF-2 alpha kinase eIF-2 protein kinase OTTHUMP00000207187 OTTHUMP00000207188 pancreatic eIF-2 alpha kinase pancreatic eIF-2alpha kinase pancreatic EIF2-alpha kinase PKR-like ER kinase PRKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase protein tyrosine kinase EIF2AK3