This gene encodes a member of the GTP-binding translation elongation factor family. This protein is an essential factor for protein synthesis. It promotes the GTP-dependent translocation of the nascent protein chain from the A-site to the P-site of the ribosome. This protein is completely inactivated by EF-2 kinase phosporylation. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008] see less This gene encodes a member of the GTP-binding translation elongation factor family. This protein is an essential factor for protein synthesis. It promotes the GTP-dependent translocation of the nascent protein chain from the A-site to the P-site of the ribosome. This protein is completely inactivated by EF-2 kinase phosporylation. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]