During the past decade, small non-coding RNAs have rapidly emerged as important contributors to gene regulation. To carry out their biological functions, these small RNAs require a unique class of proteins called Argonautes (AGOs).
With their functional domains, Argonaute proteins can bind small non-coding RNAs and control protein synthesis, affect messenger RNA stability and even participate in the production of a new class of small RNAs, Piwi-interacting RNAs.
Members
AGO1 | AGO2 (EIF2C2) | AGO3 | AGO4 (EIF2C4) |
See also
RNA-based gene silencing (RNA silencing)
References
Hutvagner G, Simard MJ. Argonaute proteins: key players in RNA silencing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2008 Jan;9(1):22-32. PMID: 18073770