Argonaute
Argonaute
Argonaute (pronounced: ar-guh-nowt) is a family of proteins that play a crucial role in RNA interference (RNAi) and other RNA-silencing processes. The term "Argonaute" is derived from the name of the Argonauts, a group of heroes in Greek mythology.
Etymology
The name "Argonaute" was inspired by the Argonauts of Greek mythology. This is due to the role these proteins play in navigating the complex world of RNA, much like the Argonauts navigated the seas.
Function
Argonaute proteins are central to the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), where they bind to small RNA molecules and guide them to their target mRNA. This interaction leads to gene silencing, either by preventing translation or by directly degrading the target mRNA.
Types
There are four types of Argonaute proteins in humans: AGO1, AGO2, AGO3, and AGO4. Each of these proteins has a slightly different function, but all are involved in the process of RNA interference.
Related Terms
- RNA interference (RNAi): A biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules.
- RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC): A multiprotein complex, essentially composed of Argonaute and small RNA molecules, that triggers the RNAi process.
- Gene silencing: A mechanism by which cells shut off various functional parts of the genome. It is often used to decrease the production of specific proteins.
- mRNA (messenger RNA): A subtype of RNA that carries the genetic information copied from DNA in the form of a series of three-base code “words,” each of which specifies a particular amino acid.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Argonaute
- Wikipedia's article - Argonaute
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