Enables SMAD binding activity. Involved in several processes, including female germ-line stem cell asymmetric division; pole cell formation; and regulation of alternative mRNA splicing, via spliceosome. Located in P granule and cytosol. Is expressed in several structures, including adult head; adult heart; embryonic/larval salivary gland; imaginal disc; and larval brain. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in neurodevelopmental disorder with hypotonia and speech delay. Orthologous to several human genes including EIF4A1 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1).
FB Description
eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) encodes an essential DEAD-box RNA helicase protein and a canonical translation initiation factor. It is a component of the eIF4F cap-binding complex that is essential for cap-dependent translation of mRNA.