eEF2 (Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2) is a key component in the process of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells. It is a GTP-binding protein that plays a crucial role in the elongation phase of translation. Specifically, eEF2 facilitates the movement of the ribosome along the mRNA, allowing the addition of amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain. This elongation factor is essential for efficient and accurate protein synthesis. Interestingly, eEF2 phosphorylation can either be increased or decreased depending on the stimulus used in learning or synaptic plasticity paradigms. Examining the specific contributions of increases and decreases in eEF2 phosphorylation to learning and memory is difficult. (PMID: 25762683)