Relevance to Autism

Knockout of the EIF4EBP2 gene in mice results in an increased ratio of excitatory to inhibitory synaptic inputs and autistic-like behaviours (that is, social interaction deficits, altered communication and repetitive/stereotyped behaviours) (Gkogkas et al., 2012).

Molecular Function

This gene encodes a member of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein family. The gene products of this family bind eIF4E and inhibit translation initiation. However, insulin and other growth factors can release this inhibition via a phosphorylation-dependent disruption of their binding to eIF4E. Regulation of protein production through these gene products have been implicated in cell proliferation, cell differentiation and viral infection.

External Links

References