GCN2 activation and eIF2alpha phosphorylation in the maturation of mouse oocytes.

GCN2 is one of the four mammalian kinases that phosphorylate the alpha subunit of the translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2alpha) in a variety of stress situations, resulting in protein synthesis inhibition. GCN2 is involved in regulating metabolism, feeding behavior and memory in rodents. We show here that, relative to other cells, the beta isoform of the GCN2 transcript and the GCN2 protein are highly abundant in unfertilized mouse eggs.

Distribution of the protein IMPACT, an inhibitor of GCN2, in the mouse, rat, and marmoset brain.

IMPACT is an inhibitor of GCN2, a kinase that phosphorylates the alpha subunit of the translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2 alpha). GCN2 has been implicated in regulating feeding behavior and learning and memory in mice. IMPACT is highly abundant in the brain, suggesting its relevance in the control of GCN2 activation in the central nervous system.