Access

Review

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 9, 22–32 (1 January 2008) | doi:10.1038/nrm2321

Argonaute proteins: key players in RNA silencing

Gyorgy Hutvagner & Martin J. Simard

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.