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.

Author affiliations

1. Wellcome Trust Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK.
   Email: g.hutvagner@dundee.ac.uk
2. Laval University Cancer Research Centre, Hôtel-Dieu de Québec (CHUQ), Quebec City, Québec, G1R 2J6, Canada.
   Email: martin.simard@crhdq.ulaval.ca

MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS

These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.