The protein encoded by this gene is a component of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4F complex, which recognizes the 7-methylguanosine cap structure at the 5' end of messenger RNAs. The encoded protein aids in translation initiation by recruiting ribosomes to the 5'-cap structure. Association of this protein with the 4F complex is the rate-limiting step in translation initiation. This gene acts as a proto-oncogene, and its expression and activation is associated with transformation and tumorigenesis. Several pseudogenes of this gene are found on other chromosomes. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2015],AUTS19;CBP;EIF4E1;EIF4EL1;EIF4F;eIF-4E;EIF4E,Angiogenesis,Cardiovascular,Endocrine & Metabolism,Epigenetics & Nuclear Signaling,Immunology & Inflammation,Insulin Receptor Signaling Pathway,Protein phosphorylation,Signal Transduction,Translation Control,Translational Control_Regulation of eIF4 and p70 S6 Kinase,EIF4E