What Role Does eIF2α Play in Cellular Stress Response?
Under stress conditions, such as nutrient deprivation, oxidative stress, or viral infection, eIF2α is phosphorylated by specific kinases like PERK, GCN2, PKR, and HRI. This phosphorylation event leads to a decrease in global protein synthesis, conserving resources and allowing the cell to manage stress more effectively. It also selectively upregulates the translation of stress-related proteins, aiding in cellular adaptation and survival.
