This gene encodes an elongation initiation factor, which participates in protein synthesis. The encoded protein also plays roles in mRNA metabolism, cell proliferation, and cell cycle control. This protein contains a modified lysine residue called hypusine, which appears to be necessary for its function. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described. Related pseudogenes exist on chromosomes 2, 5, and 19. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2009]