Elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (EF-1 alpha2) is a eukaryotic protein translation factor that is expressed in terminally differentiated cells of skeletal muscle, heart, and certain areas of the brain. Along with protein synthesis, EF-1 alpha2 also plays a role in cytoskeletal remodelling and apoptosis. The gene encoding for EF-1 alpha2 maps to chromosome 20q13. Wasted (wst) refers to a spontaneous autosomal recessive mutation in which this gene is deleted, and it leads to tremors and disturbances of gait shortly after weaning, followed by motor neuron degeneration, paralysis, and death by about 28 days in mice. EF-1 alpha2 has the ability to transform mammalian cells and is highly expressed in tumors of the ovary, breast, and lung, thereby proving a good candidate for an oncogene. In addition to this, EF-1 alpha2 enhances focus formation, allows anchorage-independent growth, and decreases the doubling time of rodent fibroblasts.