EF-2 Inhibitors

EF-2 inhibitors, also known as Elongation Factor 2 inhibitors, belong to a distinct category of chemical compounds celebrated for their profound impact on cellular functions. These inhibitors operate at the molecular level within living cells and are primarily recognized for their role in disrupting an essential biological process-protein synthesis. Elongation Factor 2 (EF-2), a critical component in the translation stage of protein synthesis, is a key target of these compounds. Their name directly conveys their function: they inhibit EF-2, leading to an interruption in the elongation phase of protein synthesis. The mechanism of action of EF-2 inhibitors revolves around their ability to obstruct ribosome movement along messenger RNA (mRNA) strands during the translation process. Under normal conditions, ribosomes traverse mRNA, decoding genetic information and facilitating the addition of amino acids to construct proteins. EF-2 plays a pivotal role by catalyzing the transfer of transfer RNA (tRNA) from the A site to the P site of the ribosome. EF-2 inhibitors interfere with this critical step, preventing the seamless translocation of ribosomes. This disruption results in the accumulation of incomplete protein chains and disrupts the delicate balance of the cellular proteome, thereby influencing cell viability and function. The distinctive mode of action of EF-2 inhibitors renders them invaluable tools for scientific research, offering insights into various cellular processes and potential applications across diverse scientific domains.