IF-2 is a translation initiator in each of the three main phylogenetic domains (Eukaryotes [1], Bacteria [2] and Archaea [3]). IF2 interacts with formylmethionine-tRNA, GTP, IF1, IF3 and both ribosomal subunits [2]. Through these interactions, IF2 promotes the binding of the initiator tRNA to the A site in the smaller ribosomal subunit and catalyses the hydrolysis of GTP following initiation-complex formation [2].

1: Global trends of whole-genome duplications revealed by the ciliate Paramecium tetraurelia. Aury JM, Jaillon O, Duret L, Noel B, Jubin C, Porcel BM, Segurens B, Daubin V, Anthouard V, Aiach N, Arnaiz O, Billaut A, Beisson J, Blanc I, Bouhouche K, Camara F, Duharcourt S, Guigo R, Gogendeau D, Katinka M, Keller AM, Kissmehl R, Klotz C, Koll F, Le Nature. 2006;444:171-178. PMID:17086204

2: Investigation of the translation-initiation factor IF2 gene, infB, as a tool to study the population structure of Streptococcus agalactiae. Hedegaard J, Hauge M, Fage-Larsen J, Mortensen KK, Kilian M, Sperling-Petersen HU, Poulsen K; Microbiology. 2000;146:1661-1670. PMID:10878130

3: Living with two extremes: conclusions from the genome sequence of Natronomonas pharaonis. Falb M, Pfeiffer F, Palm P, Rodewald K, Hickmann V, Tittor J, Oesterhelt D; Genome Res. 2005;15:1336-1343. PMID:16169924