Abstract: Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A2 gene is a highly conserved gene of EIF5A family. EIF5A2, as a potential oncogene, was highly expressed in a variety of human tumors, and associated with the staging and / or poor prognosis of the tumor. EIF5A2 induces epithelial mesenchymal transition through a variety of the mechanisms, and thus promote tumor invasion and metastasis. EIF5A-MTA1/c-MYC axis may be one of the important pathways involved in regulation of tumor invasion and metastasis. The underlying molecular mechanisms need further studies.

Key words: EIF5A2, cancer, metastasis