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Functions of Argonaute Protein in miRNA Regulation
Zhou Jiakun1,2, Liu Mafeng1,2,3, Jia Renyong1,2,3*
1Research Center for Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
2Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan gricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
3Key laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
2Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan gricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
3Key laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Abstract: miRNA (microRNA) is approximately 22 nt in length and are defined as regulated endogenous non-coding RNA. Mature miRNAs are produced by pri-miRNAs which are transcribed by RNA polymerase II/III and modified by series of enzymes. The mature miRNAs and Argonaute proteins are incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) eventually. miRNA guides RISC to degrade or repress target genes through base-paired completely or partially with target mRNAs. As core components of RISC， Argonaute plays an important role in the miRNA biogenesis and translational repression. This paper reviewed the effect of Argonaute protein on miRNA-mediated gene silencing. It would be helpful to further reveal the mechanisms of the regulation network of miRNAs.
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