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.
Small RNAs directly or indirectly impact nearly every biological process in eukaryotic cells. To perform their myriad roles, not only must precise small RNA species be generated, but they must also be loaded into specific effector complexes called RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs).
Argonaute proteins form the core of RISCs and different members of this large family have specific expression patterns, protein binding partners and biochemical capabilities.
Members
| AGO1 | AGO2 (EIF2C2) | AGO3 | AGO4 (EIF2C4) |
See also
RNA-based gene silencing (RNA silencing)
References
Small RNA sorting: matchmaking for Argonautes. Czech B, Hannon GJ. Nat Rev Genet. 2011 Jan;12(1):19-31. PMID: 21116305
Hutvagner G, Simard MJ. Argonaute proteins: key players in RNA silencing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2008 Jan;9(1):22-32. PMID: 18073770
