Elongation factor 1-alpha 1 is a protein encoded by the EF-1a gene. The gene encodes an isoform of the alpha subunit of the elongation factor-1 complex, which is responsible for the enzymatic delivery of aminoacyl tRNAs to the ribosome. This isoform is expressed in brain, placenta, lung, liver, kidney, and pancreas. This gene has been found to have multiple copies on many chromosomes, some of which, if not all, represent different pseudogenes. The protein can be found in both the cytoplasm for translation and in the nucleus for nuclear transport. In addition, it participates in several processes required for cell growth and proliferation, including cytoskeleton organization, mitotic apparatus formation, and signal transduction.