MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of ∼22nt non-coding RNAs that regulate the translational potential and stability of mRNAs. Though constituting only 1-4% of human genes, miRNAs are predicted to regulate more than 60% of all mRNAs. The action of miRNAs is mediated through their associations with Argonaute proteins and mRNA targets. Previous studies indicated that though the majority of Argonaute proteins is diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm, a small fraction is consistently observed to be concentrated in a cytoplasmic compartment called GW/P-bodies. In this chapter, we will provide a quantitative and dynamic view of the subcellular localization of miRNA function, followed by a discussion on the possible roles of PBs in miRNA silencing.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5107-5_10 | DOI Listing |
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Article Synopsis
- Argonaute proteins play a crucial role in regulating gene expression by binding to small RNAs across various organisms, with vertebrates having two main clades: Ago and Piwi.
- Both clades contain essential domains like N, L1, L2, PAZ, MID, and PIWI that facilitate the loading and anchoring of sRNAs, with some Piwi proteins also having endonuclease functions.
- Recent advancements have enhanced our understanding of their structures, functions, and gene regulation roles, particularly in relation to epigenetic regulation and potential research applications.
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