SUI2

UniProt ID: P20459
Organism: Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C
Review Status: COMPLETE
Aliases:
TIF211 YJR007W J1429
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Gene Description

SUI2 encodes eIF2Ξ± (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit alpha), the alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric eIF2 complex (eIF2Ξ±/Sui2, eIF2Ξ²/Sui3, eIF2Ξ³/Gcd11). eIF2Ξ± is itself a non-enzymatic subunit; GTP binding and GTPase activity reside in the gamma subunit (Gcd11/eIF2Ξ³). As part of the holocomplex, eIF2 plays a central role in translation initiation by binding GTP and initiator Met-tRNAi to form the ternary complex (TC), which delivers initiator tRNA to the 40S ribosomal subunit and assembles the 43S/48S preinitiation complex. eIF2Ξ± contributes directly to start-codon selection fidelity during scanning: its unstructured N-terminal tail interacts with eIF1 to stabilize the open/scanning PIC, and residue R53 contacts rRNA helix 23 in both open and closed states. Upon cognate AUG recognition, GTP hydrolysis and phosphate release trigger release of the eIF2-GDP binary complex, which is recycled by the GEF eIF2B. eIF2Ξ± is phosphorylated at Ser-52 (yeast UniProt numbering; the conserved cross-species Ser51 site) by the kinase Gcn2 during nutrient/stress conditions; this single-site phosphorylation converts eIF2 from an eIF2B substrate into an inhibitor of eIF2B, lowering TC abundance to attenuate global translation while derepressing GCN4 translation via uORF-mediated reinitiation control. This makes SUI2 a critical node in the general amino acid control (GAAC) / integrated stress response.

Existing Annotations Review

GO Term Evidence Action Reason
GO:0003743 translation initiation factor activity
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
ACCEPT
Summary: eIF2Ξ± is the non-catalytic regulatory (alpha) subunit of the heterotrimeric eIF2 complex; as part of the complex it delivers initiator Met-tRNAi to the 40S ribosomal subunit in a GTP-dependent manner (GTP binding and GTPase activity reside in the gamma subunit Gcd11/eIF2Ξ³). This molecular function term accurately captures its role in translation initiation. IBA evidence through phylogenetic comparison is appropriate.
Reason: eIF2Ξ± is fundamentally a translation initiation factor; it is the non-enzymatic regulatory subunit that contributes to the eIF2 trimer's function rather than possessing catalytic activity of its own. Its core function is contributing to delivery of Met-tRNAi to the 40S ribosome as part of the ternary complex. This is more specific and informative than generic protein binding terms and represents a core function of the protein.
Propagation Review
Root cause: NO FAILURE CORE
Sources checked:
PANTHER:PTN000063907 Β· PTN000063907 SUPPORTS TRANSFER
Current PTHR10602 PAINT retains this translation-initiation activity IBD at the node that includes Sui2/eIF2alpha; target SGD:S000003767 is valid experimental grounding, not circular support.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:14698289
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) is a G-protein that functions as a central switch in the initiation of protein synthesis. In its GTP-bound state it delivers the methionyl initiator tRNA (Met-tRNA(i)) to the small ribosomal subunit
PMID:2649894
These data further suggest that eIF-2 is an important component of the preinitiation complex that mediates ribosomal recognition of a start codon during the scanning process
file:yeast/SUI2/SUI2-deep-research-falcon.md
eIF2 binds GTP and initiator Met-tRNAi\(^Met\)** to form the **ternary complex (TC)**, which is required to deliver initiator tRNA to the 40S ribosomal subunit and assemble the 43S/48S preinitiation complex (PIC)
GO:0006413 translational initiation
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
ACCEPT
Summary: eIF2Ξ± is required for the initiation phase of translation; as the non-catalytic regulatory subunit of the eIF2 trimer it contributes to delivery of the initiator Met-tRNAi via the eIF2 ternary complex and to start codon recognition (the GTPase activity that drives this cycle resides in the gamma subunit Gcd11/eIF2Ξ³). This biological process annotation is appropriate and represents a core function.
Reason: eIF2Ξ± is essential for translation initiation as a regulatory subunit of the eIF2 complex that contributes to the GTP-dependent delivery of initiator Met-tRNAi to the 40S ribosome via the ternary complex. It is non-catalytic (GTP binding and hydrolysis reside in the gamma subunit), but it is mechanistically essential for initiation rather than merely associated with it. IBA evidence is appropriate.
Propagation Review
Root cause: NO FAILURE CORE
Sources checked:
PANTHER:PTN000063907 Β· PTN000063907 SUPPORTS TRANSFER
Current PAINT places translational initiation on the conserved eIF2alpha family node and includes direct yeast SUI2 evidence among the descendant seeds.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:14698289
In its GTP-bound state it delivers the methionyl initiator tRNA (Met-tRNA(i)) to the small ribosomal subunit and releases it upon GTP hydrolysis following the recognition of the initiation codon
file:yeast/SUI2/SUI2-deep-research-falcon.md
In eukaryotic translation initiation, **eIF2 binds GTP and initiator Met-tRNAi\(^Met\)** to form the **ternary complex (TC)**, which is required to deliver initiator tRNA to the 40S ribosomal subunit and assemble the 43S/48S preinitiation complex (PIC). In yeast, this TC-dependent step is a central determinant of initiation rate and start-site selection.
GO:0005850 eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 complex
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
ACCEPT
Summary: SUI2/eIF2Ξ± is the alpha subunit of the eIF2 heterotrimeric complex. This is a core structural component annotation that is mechanistically accurate. IBA evidence through phylogenetic comparison is appropriate.
Reason: eIF2Ξ± is by definition a subunit of the eIF2 complex. This is not a function but a structural component annotation, which is distinct from catalytic activity. SUI2 is the founding member of this complex. This represents core cellular machinery that defines the protein.
Propagation Review
Root cause: NO FAILURE CORE
Sources checked:
PANTHER:PTN000063908 Β· PTN000063908 SUPPORTS TRANSFER
Current PAINT retains eIF2 complex membership at the eukaryotic eIF2alpha node, with SUI2 itself and vertebrate orthologs as experimentally grounded seeds.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:2649894
the sui2 suppressor gene encodes the alpha subunit of eIF-2
file:yeast/SUI2/SUI2-deep-research-falcon.md
SUI2 in *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* (S288c; ORF YJR007W) encodes the **Ξ± subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2Ξ±)**, a core component of the heterotrimeric eIF2 complex (eIF2Ξ±/Sui2, eIF2Ξ²/Sui3, eIF2Ξ³/Gcd11)
GO:0033290 eukaryotic 48S preinitiation complex
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
ACCEPT
Summary: eIF2Ξ± is a component of the 48S preinitiation complex, delivering the initiator tRNA that is required for complex assembly and function. This annotation reflects the core mechanism of translation initiation.
Reason: eIF2Ξ± is an essential component of the 48S preinitiation complex, which forms when the eIF2-GTP-Met-tRNAi ternary complex binds to the 40S ribosomal subunit followed by mRNA binding. The 48S complex is the functional intermediate in initiation. This is a core annotation.
Propagation Review
Root cause: NO FAILURE CORE
Sources checked:
PANTHER:PTN000063908 Β· PTN000063908 SUPPORTS TRANSFER
The current eukaryote-restricted PTHR10602 PAINT node carries the 48S preinitiation complex IBD and includes yeast SUI2 direct evidence.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:14698289
In its GTP-bound state it delivers the methionyl initiator tRNA (Met-tRNA(i)) to the small ribosomal subunit and releases it upon GTP hydrolysis following the recognition of the initiation codon
file:yeast/SUI2/SUI2-deep-research-falcon.md
It operates on the **40S subunit within 43S/48S preinitiation complexes** during scanning and start codon recognition.
GO:0043022 ribosome binding
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
ACCEPT
Summary: eIF2alpha makes direct 40S ribosomal contacts in the yeast preinitiation complex, including the R53 contact with 18S rRNA helix 23 in both open and closed PIC states.
Reason: Ribosome binding is broad but true: eIF2alpha directly contacts the 40S subunit within the scanning and start-recognition preinitiation complex, and the Thakur 2020 structural/mechanistic analysis specifically maps residue R53 contacting rRNA helix 23. The current PTN000063907 IBD is still present in PTHR10602 PAINT and is compatible with the yeast PIC contact. This row therefore captures a direct ribosomal contact that is not replaced by the existing translation-initiation-factor or methionyl-initiator-tRNA-binding rows.
Propagation Review
Root cause: NO FAILURE CORE
Sources checked:
PANTHER:PTN000063907 Β· PTN000063907 SUPPORTS TRANSFER
Current PTHR10602 PAINT places the ribosome-binding IBD on the conserved eIF2alpha node, and target structural evidence supports direct Sui2/eIF2alpha contact with the 40S ribosomal subunit.
Supporting Evidence:
file:yeast/SUI2/SUI2-deep-research-falcon.md
R53 contacts rRNA helix 23; Arg55/Arg57 contact mRNA context near the start site; unstructured N-terminal tail interacts with eIF1 in the open PIC and later with eIF5-CTD after AUG recognition
GO:0003676 nucleic acid binding
IEA
GO_REF:0000002
TOO GENERAL
Summary: eIF2Ξ± contains RNA-binding domains but does not directly bind nucleic acid. The binding interaction is mediated entirely through the methionyl-tRNA substrate. This IEA annotation appears to be a computational inference from InterPro domains that are present but functionally contribute to tRNA binding, not nucleic acid binding per se.
Reason: eIF2Ξ± does not function as a nucleic acid-binding protein in the traditional sense. The RNA-binding domains identified by InterPro are structural components that facilitate methionyl-tRNA recognition, not general nucleic acid binding. eIF2Ξ± specifically recognizes and binds the methionyl-tRNA through protein-RNA interactions, but this is better captured by the term "methionyl-initiator methionine tRNA binding" (GO:1990856), not the generic nucleic acid binding. Including this term conflates structural domains with functional role and is misleading about eIF2Ξ±'s mechanism of action. TOO_GENERAL rather than REMOVE: methionyl-initiator methionine tRNA binding, kept in this review, entails this term, so the claim is true but less informative.
GO:0003723 RNA binding
IEA
GO_REF:0000120
TOO GENERAL
Summary: eIF2Ξ± binds methionyl-initiator tRNA through specific protein-RNA interactions, but generic RNA binding is overly broad and misleading. The binding is strictly limited to formyl-Met-tRNAi and involves specific recognition of the methionine moiety and acceptor stem identity elements.
Reason: While eIF2Ξ± does interact with RNA (methionyl-tRNA), the term "RNA binding" is problematic because it suggests broad RNA-binding capability or nonspecific RNA interactions. eIF2Ξ± specifically recognizes only the initiator methionyl-tRNA through GTP-dependent binding that is disrupted upon GTP hydrolysis. This specific tRNA-recognition function is far better represented by the existing annotation "methionyl-initiator methionine tRNA binding" (GO:1990856). Generic "RNA binding" inappropriately groups this with proteins that have different binding specificity and mechanisms. TOO_GENERAL rather than REMOVE: methionyl-initiator methionine tRNA binding, kept in this review, entails this term, so the claim is true but less informative.
GO:0003743 translation initiation factor activity
IEA
GO_REF:0000120
ACCEPT
Summary: This is a duplicate of the IBA annotation for the same term (GO:0003743). Both annotations describe eIF2Ξ±'s translation initiation factor activity. The IBA annotation has higher evidence quality from experimental validation and phylogenetic comparison.
Reason: While this is a duplicate with lower evidence quality (IEA vs IBA), having multiple evidence types for the same annotation strengthens the overall evidence base. The IEA annotation validates the computational inference supports the experimental evidence. Retaining both provides evidence aggregation. The IBA annotation is the primary evidence; this complements it.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:14698289
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) is a G-protein that functions as a central switch in the initiation of protein synthesis
GO:0005829 cytosol
IEA
GO_REF:0000044
ACCEPT
Summary: eIF2Ξ± is localized to the cytosol where it functions in translation initiation. This IEA annotation from UniProtKB subcellular location mapping is accurate and represents core localization information.
Reason: eIF2Ξ± is a cytosolic protein, as confirmed by both experimental subcellular localization studies and its function in cytosolic translation initiation. This is appropriate background/context for the protein function. The annotation is accurate and complementary to functional annotations.
Supporting Evidence:
file:yeast/SUI2/SUI2-deep-research-falcon.md
the mechanistic literature places Sui2/eIF2Ξ± functionally in the **cytosolic translation initiation pathway**
GO:0006412 translation
IEA
GO_REF:0000043
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: eIF2Ξ± is essential for the initiation phase of translation, but broader annotation to "translation" is overly general. The more specific term "translational initiation" (GO:0006413) is already annotated and more accurately represents eIF2Ξ±'s role.
Reason: While eIF2Ξ± is indeed involved in translation, it is specifically involved in the initiation phase. The broader term "translation" includes elongation and termination phases in which eIF2Ξ± does not directly participate. The specific "translational initiation" term (GO:0006413) is more accurate and is already annotated. This broader term can be retained as non-core context but should not be treated as a primary function annotation.
GO:0006413 translational initiation
IEA
GO_REF:0000043
ACCEPT
Summary: This is a duplicate of the IBA annotation for translational initiation (line 2). eIF2Ξ± is mechanistically essential for translation initiation. Multiple evidence types strengthen the annotation.
Reason: This IEA annotation duplicates the IBA evidence already provided. Multiple evidence types for the same accurate annotation strengthen confidence. IEA based on keyword mapping complements IBA experimental evidence. Both are retained.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:11805837
Systematic identification of protein complexes in Saccharomy...
REMOVE
Summary: Generic protein binding annotation from mass spectrometry-based proteome survey. eIF2Ξ± is a subunit of the eIF2 complex that directly interacts with the beta (Sui3) and gamma (Gcd11) subunits, but the term "protein binding" is uninformative.
Reason: GO:0005515 protein binding is uninformative about molecular function. Removing this annotation does not mean the reported interaction is false; eIF2alpha's stable subunit interactions are captured more informatively by the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 complex annotation.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11805837
Systematic identification of protein complexes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by mass spectrometry.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:16429126
Proteome survey reveals modularity of the yeast cell machine...
REMOVE
Summary: Protein binding from large-scale proteome survey. Similar to above, eIF2Ξ± interactions are better described through complex membership and specific functional terms.
Reason: Generic protein binding from a proteome-wide complex survey does not add a Sui2 molecular-function assertion beyond eIF2 complex membership and the mechanistic initiation annotations. Removal only rejects GO:0005515 as an uninformative GO term here, not the physical association.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16429126
Proteome survey reveals modularity of the yeast cell machinery.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:16554755
Global landscape of protein complexes in the yeast Saccharom...
REMOVE
Summary: Protein binding from global landscape of yeast protein complexes study. Again, uninformative generic term for eIF2 complex membership.
Reason: This high-throughput interaction supports eIF2 physical association, but GO:0005515 protein binding is too generic to convey Sui2's activity or complex membership. The eIF2 complex and translation-initiation annotations carry the functional content.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16554755
Global landscape of protein complexes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:18719252
High-quality binary protein interaction map of the yeast int...
REMOVE
Summary: Protein binding from high-quality binary protein interaction map. Generic annotation.
Reason: The binary interactome result is not enough to make GO:0005515 an informative molecular-function annotation. Sui2 function is better represented by eIF2 complex membership and its translation-initiation factor activity.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:18719252
demonstrating that high-throughput yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening provides high-quality binary interaction information
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:20485439
eIF5 has GDI activity necessary for translational control by...
REMOVE
Summary: eIF5-SUI2 interaction relevant to translational control by eIF2 phosphorylation. While eIF5 (TIF5) does interact with eIF2Ξ± in the multifactor complex, generic protein binding is uninformative.
Reason: The eIF5 interaction is mechanistically important for eIF2 recycling and translational control, but GO:0005515 does not distinguish this regulatory contact from arbitrary protein interactions. It is better handled through eIF2 cycle and multi-eIF complex annotations than retained as generic protein binding.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:20485439
eIF5 has GDI activity necessary for translational control by eIF2 phosphorylation.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:24852487
eIF2B is a decameric guanine nucleotide exchange factor with...
REMOVE
Summary: eIF2B interaction study. eIF2B (the GEF) physically interacts with eIF2Ξ± to catalyze GDP/GTP exchange, but generic protein binding obscures this mechanistic detail.
Reason: The eIF2-eIF2B interaction is central to nucleotide exchange and stress control, but GO:0005515 protein binding obscures rather than captures that mechanism. No evidence-backed Sui2-specific MF replacement is needed because the reviewed eIF2 complex and GTP-dependent initiation annotations already describe the direct function.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:24852487
eIF2B is a decameric guanine nucleotide exchange factor with a
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:26211610
Cdc123, a Cell Cycle Regulator Needed for eIF2 Assembly, Is ...
REMOVE
Summary: Cdc123 interaction study. CDC123 is an assembly factor for eIF2. This specific interaction is mechanistically important but generic protein binding does not capture it.
Reason: Cdc123 binding supports eIF2alpha-gamma assembly, but the Sui2 row still collapses an assembly-factor interaction to generic GO:0005515 protein binding. The eIF2 complex annotation captures the resulting core structure; the generic binding term should not be retained.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:26211610
Cdc123, a Cell Cycle Regulator Needed for eIF2 Assembly, Is an ATP-Grasp Protein with Unique Features.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:27107014
An inter-species protein-protein interaction network across ...
REMOVE
Summary: Inter-species protein interaction network. Generic protein binding from computational/comparative analysis.
Reason: Generic protein binding from an inter-species interaction survey provides little mechanistic information for Sui2. The curated complex and translation-initiation rows are the appropriate functional representation.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:27107014
An inter-species protein-protein interaction network across vast evolutionary distance.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:37507029
Binding of human Cdc123 to eIF2Ξ³.
REMOVE
Summary: Human CDC123 binding to human eIF2Ξ³ (orthologous to yeast). While the orthology is relevant, generic protein binding is not informative for mechanistic understanding.
Reason: Human Cdc123 binding to eIF2gamma is relevant background for eIF2 assembly but does not justify retaining a low-information SUI2 protein-binding annotation. Sui2's stable product is the heterotrimeric eIF2 complex, which is already captured directly.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:37507029
Binding of human Cdc123 to eIF2
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:37968396
The social and structural architecture of the yeast protein ...
REMOVE
Summary: Social and structural architecture of yeast protein interactome. Generic proteome-wide interaction annotation.
Reason: The proteome-wide interaction survey is not a specific molecular-function assertion for Sui2. GO:0005515 protein binding should be removed in favor of eIF2 complex membership and specific translation-initiation terms.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:37968396
The social and structural architecture of the yeast protein interactome.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:8947054
Ligand interactions with eukaryotic translation initiation f...
REMOVE
Summary: Early study of eIF2 gamma subunit interactions with ligands and partner proteins. While this paper describes mechanistic eIF2 interactions, the generic "protein binding" term fails to capture the functional insights.
Reason: This mechanistic eIF2 study supports the initiation cycle, but GO:0005515 protein binding is not the right representation of Sui2's role in the heterotrimer. The eIF2 complex and translational initiation annotations capture the functional result.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:8947054
Ligand interactions with eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2: role of the gamma-subunit.
GO:0003743 translation initiation factor activity
IDA
PMID:16565414
Yeast initiator tRNA identity elements cooperate to influenc...
ACCEPT
Summary: Direct experimental evidence demonstrating eIF2Ξ±'s translation initiation factor activity using a reconstituted yeast translation system. This IDA annotation has higher evidence quality than IBA and IEA versions of the same term.
Reason: This is experimental evidence (IDA) for eIF2Ξ±'s core molecular function. The reconstituted translation system study directly demonstrates how initiator tRNA identity elements influence eIF2Ξ± binding and interaction with the ternary complex. This is the highest quality evidence for the functional role. Multiple evidence codes for the same term strengthen confidence.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16565414
the initiator-specific A1:U72 base pair at the top of the acceptor stem is important for the binding of the eIF2.GTP.Met-tRNA(i) ternary complex to the 40S ribosomal subunit
file:yeast/SUI2/SUI2-deep-research-falcon.md
Beyond TC delivery, eIF2Ξ± contributes directly to **start-codon selection fidelity** during scanning. A high-quality yeast genetic/biochemical study built on cryo-EM PIC models shows that specific eIF2Ξ± residues contact rRNA and influence open/closed PIC conformations during scanning and AUG recognition.
GO:0005840 ribosome
IDA
PMID:12008673
Development and characterization of a reconstituted yeast tr...
ACCEPT
Summary: eIF2Ξ± is demonstrated to interact with ribosomes in a reconstituted translation initiation system. However, this is more specifically part of the 48S preinitiation complex (already annotated) and formation of the preinitiation complex.
Reason: eIF2Ξ± is shown experimentally to associate with ribosomes as part of the initiation process. While "ribosome" is a broad cellular_component term, it accurately describes the subcellular localization/association of eIF2Ξ± when functioning in translation initiation. The more specific 48S preinitiation complex annotation provides mechanistic detail. Retaining both gives context about cellular location of function.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:12008673
Development and characterization of a reconstituted yeast translation initiation system
GO:0006413 translational initiation
IDA
PMID:8947054
Ligand interactions with eukaryotic translation initiation f...
ACCEPT
Summary: This is a duplicate of the IBA and IEA annotations for translational initiation. Direct experimental evidence from mechanistic studies of eIF2 gamma subunit ligand interactions provides strong support.
Reason: Multiple evidence types (IBA, IEA, IDA) for the same mechanistically critical annotation strengthen confidence. The IDA evidence provides direct experimental support from biochemical studies of eIF2 complex function.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:8947054
Ligand interactions with eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2: role of the gamma-subunit.
GO:0005850 eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 complex
IPI
PMID:23775072
Translation initiation requires cell division cycle 123 (Cdc...
ACCEPT
Summary: Experimental identification of eIF2 complex membership through CDC123 interaction study. This provides direct biochemical evidence of SUI2 as a component of the eIF2 complex and its interaction with CDC123, an assembly factor.
Reason: Direct experimental evidence (IPI) showing Sui2 interaction with Gcd11, the eIF2 gamma subunit, and with CDC123, confirming eIF2 complex assembly. This complements the IBA and IMP annotations with biochemical evidence of complex formation and cofactor interactions. This is core annotation.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:23775072
Translation initiation requires cell division cycle 123 (Cdc123) to facilitate biogenesis of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2)
GO:0010494 cytoplasmic stress granule
HDA
PMID:26777405
ATPase-Modulated Stress Granules Contain a Diverse Proteome ...
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: eIF2Ξ± is a component of cytoplasmic stress granules, which form when translation is attenuated during stress. The HDA evidence directly places Sui2 in stress-granule proteomes. However, more mechanistically, eIF2Ξ± is involved in translational control of stress responses, not localization to stress granules itself.
Reason: eIF2Ξ± is phosphorylated during stress and this phosphorylation triggers translational attenuation and GCN4 upregulation. The association with stress granules is a secondary consequence of translational shutdown, not a primary function. The core function is "translation control in response to stress" rather than stress granule localization, but the high-throughput direct assay evidence can be retained as contextual localization evidence.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:26777405
ATPase-Modulated Stress Granules Contain a Diverse Proteome and Substructure.
file:yeast/SUI2/SUI2-deep-research-falcon.md
Its most prominent regulatory role is as the conserved substrate of Gcn2: **Ser51 phosphorylation** converts eIF2 into a potent functional inhibitor of eIF2B, decreasing TC availability and thereby globally repressing initiation while enabling selective translation programs such as **GCN4** induction via uORF-mediated reinitiation control.
GO:1990856 methionyl-initiator methionine tRNA binding
IDA
PMID:16565414
Yeast initiator tRNA identity elements cooperate to influenc...
ACCEPT
Summary: Direct experimental evidence demonstrating eIF2Ξ±'s specific binding to methionyl-initiator tRNA using a reconstituted yeast translation system. This is eIF2Ξ±'s most direct and specific molecular interaction, critical for ternary complex formation and initiation.
Reason: This is eIF2Ξ±'s core ligand-binding function. The methionyl-initiator tRNA is the only substrate that eIF2Ξ± efficiently binds in the GTP-bound state. This represents the fundamental molecular interaction that underlies eIF2Ξ±'s role as a translation initiation factor. The paper demonstrates that initiator-specific tRNA identity elements are recognized by eIF2Ξ±. This is not just a binding activity but THE defining molecular interaction of the protein.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16565414
the initiator-specific A1:U72 base pair at the top of the acceptor stem is important for the binding of the eIF2.GTP.Met-tRNA(i) ternary complex to the 40S ribosomal subunit
file:yeast/SUI2/SUI2-deep-research-falcon.md
R53 contacts rRNA helix 23; Arg55/Arg57 contact mRNA context near the start site; unstructured N-terminal tail interacts with eIF1 in the open PIC and later with eIF5-CTD after AUG recognition
GO:0005525 GTP binding
IDA
PMID:14698289
GTP-dependent recognition of the methionine moiety on initia...
ACCEPT
Summary: Direct experimental evidence (PMID:14698289) from thermodynamic characterization of the eIF2 holocomplex shows GTP-dependent recognition of the methionine moiety on initiator tRNA. The GOA annotation carries the contributes_to qualifier, which is biologically correct: GTP binding and hydrolysis are intrinsic to the eIF2 gamma subunit (Gcd11/eIF2Ξ³), and Sui2/eIF2Ξ± only contributes to the complex's GTP-regulated state rather than acting as a GTPase itself.
Reason: The GTP binding annotation is accepted with the GOA contributes_to qualifier. Falcon deep research clarifies that eIF2Ξ±/Sui2 is a non-enzymatic subunit and has no catalytic activity of its own; the nucleotide-binding/GTPase function resides in the gamma subunit (Gcd11/eIF2Ξ³). The PMID:14698289 measurements are made on the assembled eIF2 ternary complex, where GTP binding creates a conformational state that specifically recognizes the methionine moiety on initiator tRNA. The annotation therefore correctly captures eIF2's GTP-dependent behavior as a complex, and the contributes_to qualifier appropriately scopes Sui2's role. (Prior reasoning that "eIF2Ξ± is a GTPase" was an over-statement and has been corrected.)
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:14698289
In its GTP-bound state the factor forms a positive interaction with the methionine moiety on Met-tRNA(i) that is disrupted when GTP is replaced with GDP
file:yeast/SUI2/SUI2-deep-research-falcon.md
SUI2 (UniProt P20459) encodes yeast eIF2Ξ±, a non-enzymatic translation initiation factor whose **primary molecular function** is to contribute to formation and function of the eIF2Β·GTPΒ·Met-tRNAi ternary complex
GO:0005525 GTP binding
IDA
PMID:16246727
Pi release from eIF2, not GTP hydrolysis, is the step contro...
ACCEPT
Summary: This is a second IDA GTP binding annotation (contributes_to) from a mechanistic study demonstrating that phosphate (Pi) release from eIF2, not GTP hydrolysis itself, is the step controlled during start-site selection. It provides complementary evidence that the eIF2 complex's GTP binding/hydrolysis cycle is central to the initiation mechanism.
Reason: Accepted with the GOA contributes_to qualifier. As with the PMID:14698289 GTP binding annotation, the nucleotide-binding/GTPase activity is a property of the eIF2 gamma subunit (Gcd11/eIF2Ξ³), not of Sui2/eIF2Ξ±, which is non-enzymatic. This paper provides additional insight that Pi release (GTPase product release) rather than GTP hydrolysis per se is the rate-limiting step for start codon recognition. Both GTP binding annotations describe behavior of the assembled eIF2 complex, and the contributes_to qualifier correctly scopes the alpha-subunit's role.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16246727
Pi release from eIF2, not GTP hydrolysis, is the step controlled by start-site selection during eukaryotic translation initiation.
file:yeast/SUI2/SUI2-deep-research-falcon.md
After start-codon recognition, eIF2 hydrolyzes GTP and leaves the ribosome in a GDP-bound state. Reactivation requires the guanine nucleotide exchange factor **eIF2B**, which catalyzes **GDP→GTP exchange** on eIF2.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-SCE-9633480
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosol localization from Reactome curated pathway for GCN2 phosphorylation of eIF2Ξ±. TAS (Traced to Authoritative Source) indicates this comes from a high-quality curated database. This duplicates the IEA cytosol annotation already provided.
Reason: Multiple evidence types (IEA, TAS) for cytosol localization strengthen the annotation. The Reactome reference provides expert curation. eIF2Ξ± is a cytosolic protein essential for cytoplasmic translation initiation.
GO:0005737 cytoplasm
HDA
PMID:11914276
Subcellular localization of the yeast proteome.
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytoplasm localization from yeast proteome subcellular localization study. Cytoplasm is a broader term than cytosol, referring to all non-nuclear cytoplasmic compartments. eIF2Ξ± is specifically a cytosolic protein.
Reason: While cytosol (GO:0005829) is more specific and already annotated, cytoplasm (GO:0005737) is broader and includes both cytosol and other cytoplasmic compartments. For a cytosolic translation factor, cytoplasm annotation is acceptable as non-redundant context, indicating eIF2Ξ± is found in the cytoplasmic compartment. HDA evidence is reasonable for established localization.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11914276
Subcellular localization of the yeast proteome.
GO:0033290 eukaryotic 48S preinitiation complex
IDA
PMID:17242201
Coupled release of eukaryotic translation initiation factors...
ACCEPT
Summary: This is a duplicate of the IBA annotation for 48S preinitiation complex. IDA evidence from coupled release studies of translation factors confirms eIF2 association with the 48S complex during initiation.
Reason: Multiple evidence types (IBA, IDA) for 48S preinitiation complex membership strengthen the annotation. The IDA evidence from studies of eIF5B and eIF1A release demonstrates eIF2 is part of the functional 48S complex. This is a core structural annotation.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:17242201
Coupled release of eukaryotic translation initiation factors 5B and 1A from 80S ribosomes following subunit joining.
GO:0001731 formation of translation preinitiation complex
IDA
PMID:12008673
Development and characterization of a reconstituted yeast tr...
ACCEPT
Summary: Direct experimental evidence from reconstituted yeast translation initiation system showing eIF2Ξ± is required for 43S complex formation. This biological process term describes eIF2Ξ±'s mechanistic role in complex assembly.
Reason: eIF2Ξ± is absolutely essential for formation of the 43S preinitiation complex because it delivers the initiator tRNA that is the core cargo. The paper demonstrates reconstituted system dependence on eIF2 for complex assembly. This is a core process annotation showing eIF2Ξ±'s mechanistic role.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:12008673
Development and characterization of a reconstituted yeast translation initiation system
GO:0043614 multi-eIF complex
IDA
PMID:15838098
Study of translational control of eukaryotic gene expression...
ACCEPT
Summary: eIF2Ξ± is part of the multifactor complex (MFC) containing eIF1, eIF2, eIF3, eIF5, and initiator tRNA. This IDA evidence from yeast translational control studies confirms eIF2 association with other initiation factors in higher-order complex.
Reason: eIF2Ξ± is a structural and functional component of the multifactor complex that forms during translation initiation. This is documented in early yeast in vitro studies. The MFC is a physiologically important intermediate in initiation. This represents core complex membership.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:15838098
Study of translational control of eukaryotic gene expression using yeast.
GO:0005850 eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 complex
IMP
PMID:2649894
Yeast translation initiation suppressor sui2 encodes the alp...
ACCEPT
Summary: This is a duplicate of the IBA and IPI annotations for eIF2 complex. The landmark paper identifying SUI2 as eIF2Ξ± provides foundational IMP (Inferred from Mutant Phenotype) evidence. Suppressor mutations in sui2 that suppress initiator codon mutations demonstrate eIF2Ξ±'s essential role in initiation.
Reason: Multiple evidence types (IBA, IPI, IMP) for eIF2 complex membership provide comprehensive evidence. The original discovery paper uses mutant suppression analysis to establish SUI2 as the eIF2Ξ± gene, providing biological evidence of function. All three evidence types confirm this core annotation.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:2649894
the sui2 suppressor gene encodes the alpha subunit of eIF-2
GO:0043614 multi-eIF complex
IDA
PMID:11018020
A multifactor complex of eukaryotic initiation factors, eIF1...
ACCEPT
Summary: This is a duplicate of the IDA multi-eIF complex annotation from another study describing multifactor complex function and importance in translation initiation.
Reason: Multiple IDA annotations for the same structural term from different studies strengthen evidence. Both papers demonstrate eIF2 is part of the physiologically important multifactor complex with eIF1, eIF3, eIF5, and initiator tRNA.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11018020
A multifactor complex of eukaryotic initiation factors, eIF1, eIF2, eIF3, eIF5, and initiator tRNA(Met) is an important translation initiation intermediate in vivo.

Core Functions

eIF2Ξ± is a non-enzymatic subunit of the heterotrimeric eIF2 complex; as part of the complex (whose GTP binding and GTPase activity reside in the gamma subunit Gcd11/eIF2Ξ³), eIF2 delivers Met-tRNAi to the 40S ribosomal subunit in a GTP-dependent manner. The conformational state imposed by GTP binding creates a recognition pocket for the methionine moiety of initiator tRNA, enabling specific discrimination from elongator methionine tRNA. eIF2Ξ± contributes directly to start-codon selection fidelity within the scanning 43S/48S PIC: its unstructured N-terminal tail interacts with eIF1 to stabilize the open/scanning state, and residues such as R53 contact rRNA helix 23. Upon recognition of the cognate AUG start codon, GTP hydrolysis and phosphate release trigger release of the eIF2-GDP binary complex, which must be recycled by eIF2B to regenerate eIF2-GTP.

eIF2Ξ± is the alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric eIF2 complex (alpha/beta/gamma subunits) that forms the molecular switch for translation control. eIF2Ξ± interactions with the beta subunit (Sui3) and gamma subunit (Gcd11) are essential for complex stability and function. Assembly is facilitated by the chaperone-like factor Cdc123. In yeast, eIF2Ξ± is a target for phosphorylation at Ser-52 (yeast UniProt numbering; the conserved cross-species Ser51 site) by the kinase Gcn2 in response to amino acid, carbon, or purine limitation (the orthologous mammalian kinases HRI/PKR/PERK are not present in budding yeast). This single-site phosphorylation converts eIF2 from an eIF2B substrate into an inhibitor of the eIF2B GEF, lowering ternary complex abundance to attenuate global translation while derepressing translation of stress-response genes such as GCN4 via uORF-mediated reinitiation control.

References

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Deep Research

Falcon

(SUI2-deep-research-falcon.md)

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SGD

(SUI2-deep-research-sgd.md)
SGD gene description for SUI2 (yeast) SGD

SGD gene description for SUI2 (yeast)

Alpha subunit of the translation initiation factor eIF2; eIF2 is involved in identification of the start codon; phosphorylation of Ser51 is required for regulation of translation by inhibiting the exchange of GDP for GTP; protein abundance increases in response to DNA replication stress

πŸ“š Additional Documentation

Notes

(SUI2-notes.md)

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