A full-length cDNA (CaSUI1) was isolated from a Coffea arabica cDNA library from beans during maturation. Its putative translational product is highly homologous to the SUI1 protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae which functions in concert with eIF2 and the initiator tRNA-Methionin in directing the ribosome to the proper start site of translation. The corresponding gene from coffee was also cloned and sequenced. Its organization is very similar to what observed for the same gene from rice (Oryza sativa) particularly regarding the position and length of its introns. The expression of CaSUI1 gene was also checked and showed that it was highly expressed in all coffee tissues analyzed, therefore confirming the essential role of the SUI1 protein in cell housekeeping functions.