Abstract

The eukaryotic translationinitiation factor 4E (eIF4E) bindsthe 5’ cap structure of mRNA and plays an essential role inprotein synthesis. eIF4E is an ideal molecular target for cancertherapy because it is over-expressed or activated in manycancers and promotes tumourigenesis. In recent years, avariety of agents have been evaluated for their ability toinhibit eIF4E and other components of the translationalmachinery in tumour cells. This review discusses severaldifferent approaches to inhibit eIF4E, including the use ofpeptides for tissue-specific targeting of eIF4E.