Appears to play a role in the switch from cap-dependent to IRES-mediated translation during mitosis, apoptosis and viral infection. Cleaved by some caspases and viral proteases (By similarity). Interacts with the serine/threonine protein kinases MKNK1 and MKNK2. Binds EIF4A and EIF3. Interacts with MIF4GD (By similarity). Phosphorylation; hyperphosphorylated during mitosis. Belongs to the eukaryotic initiation factor 4G family.