Argonaute Proteins and Mechanisms of RNA Interference in Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes
- Authors: Olina A.V.1, Kulbachinskiy A.V.1, Aravin A.A.2, Esyunina D.M.1
-
Affiliations:
- Institute of Molecular Genetics
- California Institute of Technology
- Issue: Vol 83, No 5 (2018)
- Pages: 483-497
- Section: Review
- URL: https://journals.rcsi.science/0006-2979/article/view/151648
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0006297918050024
- ID: 151648
Cite item
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs play essential roles in genetic regulation in all organisms. In eukaryotic cells, many small non-coding RNAs act in complex with Argonaute proteins and regulate gene expression by recognizing complementary RNA targets. The complexes of Argonaute proteins with small RNAs also play a key role in silencing of mobile genetic elements and, in some cases, viruses. These processes are collectively called RNA interference. RNA interference is a powerful tool for specific gene silencing in both basic research and therapeutic applications. Argonaute proteins are also found in prokaryotic organisms. Recent studies have shown that prokaryotic Argonautes can also cleave their target nucleic acids, in particular DNA. This activity of prokaryotic Argonautes might potentially be used to edit eukaryotic genomes. However, the molecular mechanisms of small nucleic acid biogenesis and the functions of Argonaute proteins, in particular in bacteria and archaea, remain largely unknown. Here we briefly review available data on the RNA interference processes and Argonaute proteins in eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
About the authors
A. V. Olina
Institute of Molecular Genetics
Author for correspondence.
Email: anya2olina2@gmail.com
Russian Federation, Moscow, 123182
A. V. Kulbachinskiy
Institute of Molecular Genetics
Email: es_dar@inbox.ru
Russian Federation, Moscow, 123182
A. A. Aravin
California Institute of Technology
Email: es_dar@inbox.ru
United States, Pasadena, CA, 91125
D. M. Esyunina
Institute of Molecular Genetics
Author for correspondence.
Email: es_dar@inbox.ru
Russian Federation, Moscow, 123182
![](/img/style/loading.gif)