Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit D (EIF3D)

MRNA cap-binding component of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF-3) complex, a complex required for many steps in the initiation of protein synthesis of a technical repertoire of mRNAs (PubMed:27462815). The eIF-3 complex associates with the 40S ribosome and facilitates the recruitment of eIF-1, eIF-1A, eIF-2:GTP:methionyl-tRNAi and eIF-5 to form the 43S pre-initiation complex (43S PIC).

The eIF-3 complex stimulates mRNA recruitment to the 43S PIC and scanning of the mRNA for AUG recognition. The eIF-3 complex is also required for disassembly and recycling of post-termination ribosomal complexes and subsequently prevents premature joining of the 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits prior to initiation (PubMed:18599441, PubMed:25849773).