Component of the elongator complex which is required for multiple tRNA modifications, including mcm5U (5-methoxycarbonylmethyl uridine), mcm5s2U (5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-thiouridine), and ncm5U (5-carbamoylmethyl uridine) (By similarity). The elongator complex catalyzes formation of carboxymethyluridine in the wobble base at position 34 in tRNAs (By similarity). ELP1 binds to tRNA, mediating interaction of the elongator complex with tRNA (By similarity). tRNA modification; 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-thiouridine-tRNA biosynthesis. Homodimer. Component of the elongator complex. Belongs to the ELP1/IKA1 family. The elongator complex was originally thought to play a role in transcription elongation. However, it is no longer thought to play a direct role in this process and its primary function is thought to be in tRNA modification. Truncated N-terminus.