Roles of Argonaute Proteins in RNA Interference

RNA interference is a process through which double-stranded RNA(dsRNA) induces the sequence-specific posttranscriptional silencing of gene. Argonaute proteins consists of a highly-conserved family with many members. They are the core component of RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) essential for RNAi. Argonaute proteins selectively recruit miRNAs and siRNAs and also interact with Dicers. Their PIWI box interacts directly with the RNaseⅢ domain of Dicer. The interaction between PIWI and Dicer may facilitate the release of miRNA/siRNA. Furthermore, argonaute proteins may be the source of endonuclease activity in RNAi.