Proteins on the Move: Gateways into Mitochondria

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) is an essential translation factor found in nearly all living organisms. It helps ribosomes, the molecular machines that build proteins, in translating proteins containing specific amino acids. The lack of eIF5A is related to various diseases as well as ageing. Although eIF5A is known to be essential for mitochondrial function, the specific mechanism linking them has not yet been described. Professor Paula Alepuz and former PhD student Marina Barba-Aliaga (University of Valencia) work with Professor Brian M Zid (University of California San Diego) to investigate the fascinating world of eIF5A activity and its connection to mitochondria.