Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 G (eIF4G) is a protein involved in eukaryotic translation initiation and is a component of the eIF4F cap-binding complex. Orthologs of eIF4G have been studied in multiple species, including humans, yeast, and wheat. However, eIF4G is exclusively found in domain Eukarya, and not in domains Bacteria or Archaea, which do not have capped mRNA. As such, eIF4G structure and function may vary between species, although the human eIF4G 1 has been the focus of extensive studies. Across species, eIF4G strongly associates with eIF4E, the protein that directly binds the mRNA cap. Together with the RNA helicase protein eIF4A, these form the eIF4F complex. Within the cell eIF4G is found primarily in the cytoplasm, usually bound to eIF4E; however, it is also found in the nucleus, where its function is unknown. It may have a role in nonsense-mediated decay. eIF4G has been implicated in breast cancer. It appears in increased levels in certain types of breast cancer and increases production of mRNAs that contain IRESs; these mRNAs produce hypoxia- and stress-related proteins that encourage blood vessel invasion (which is important for tumorigenesis).