Argonaute proteins: mediators of RNA silencing.
Small regulatory RNAs such as short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and Piwi interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have been discovered in the past, and it is becoming more and more apparent that these small molecules have key regulatory functions. Small RNAs are found in all higher eukaryotes and play important roles in cellular processes as diverse as development, stress response, or transposon silencing. Soon after the discovery of small regulatory RNAs, members of the Argonaute protein family were identified as their major cellular protein interactors. This review focuses on the various cellular functions of mammalian Argonaute proteins in conjunction with the different small RNA species that are known today.
Peters
Lasse
L
Laboratory of RNA Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
Meister
Gunter
G
D000818:Animals; D004330:Drosophila; D020868:Gene Silencing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D010448:Peptide Initiation Factors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D013347:Subcellular Fractions / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D035683:MicroRNAs; D010448:Peptide Initiation Factors; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering