Translation elongation factor that catalyzes the GTP-dependent binding of aminoacyl-tRNA (aa-tRNA) to the A-site of ribosomes during the elongation phase of protein synthesis. Base pairing between the mRNA codon and the aa-tRNA anticodon promotes GTP hydrolysis, releasing the aa-tRNA from EEF1A1 and allowing its accommodation into the ribosome. The growing protein chain is subsequently transferred from the P-site peptidyl tRNA to the A-site aa-tRNA, extending it by one amino acid through ribosome-catalyzed peptide bond formation. Also plays a role in the positive regulation of IFNG transcription in T-helper 1 cells as part of an IFNG promoter-binding complex with TXK and PARP1.
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Nucleus, Nucleus, Nucleolus, Cell membrane
Colocalizes with DLC1 at actin-rich regions in the cell periphery. Translocates together with ZPR1 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and nucleolus after treatment with mitogens. Localization at the cell membrane depends on EEF1A1 phosphorylation status and the presence of PPP1R16B.