Abstract
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. The discovery and our comprehension of this highly conserved protein family is closely linked to the study of RNA-based gene silencing mechanisms. 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.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Arabidopsis Proteins
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Argonaute Proteins
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Drosophila Proteins / physiology*
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Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2 / physiology*
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Eukaryotic Initiation Factors
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Evolution, Molecular
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Germ Cells / physiology
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Humans
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Plants
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Protein Structure, Tertiary / physiology
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RNA Interference*
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RNA Stability / physiology
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RNA, Small Interfering / physiology
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RNA, Untranslated / physiology*
Substances
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AGO1 protein, Arabidopsis
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AGO1 protein, Drosophila
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AGO2 protein, human
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Arabidopsis Proteins
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Argonaute Proteins
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Drosophila Proteins
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Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2
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Eukaryotic Initiation Factors
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RNA, Small Interfering
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RNA, Untranslated