EEF2K

EEF2K stands out in this atypical-kinase collection as the only alpha-kinase dedicated to translational control: it phosphorylates elongation factor eEF2 on Thr56, blocking eEF2 binding to the ribosome and slowing polypeptide chain elongation. The kinase is activated by Ca2+/calmodulin and is restrained by mTORC1- and p70S6K-mediated phosphorylation, allowing nutrient and growth signals to tune elongation rates in real time. Because many tumor cells rely on EEF2K to survive energetic stress and chemotherapy, it is an active target in oncology drug discovery. Recombinant EEF2K supports kinase assays, inhibitor screening and studies linking calcium signaling to protein synthesis.