Argonaute proteins are involved in RNA interference (RNAi) and microRNA (miRNA) pathways. They can be classified into three paralogous groups: Argonaute-like proteins, which are similar to Arabidopsis thaliana AGO1; Piwi-like proteins, which are closely related to D. melanogaster PIWI (P-element induced wimpy testis); and the Caenorhabditis elegans-specific group 3 Argonautes []. Protein argonaute-4 (AGO4) belongs to the first group (Argonaute-like proteins) []. It is required for RNA-directed transcription and replication of the human hapatitis delta virus (HDV) [].
This superfamily includes protein RDM1 from Arabidopsis, which is a a small protein that binds single-stranded methyl DNA, and associates and co-localises with RNA polymerase II, AGO4 and DRM2 in the nucleus. RDM1 is a component of the RNA-directed DNA methylation effector complex and may have a role in linking siRNA production with pre-existing or de novo cytosine methylation [].
This family includes protein RDM1 from Arabidopsis, which is a a small protein that binds single-stranded methyl DNA, and associates and co-localises with RNA polymerase II, AGO4 and DRM2 in the nucleus. RDM1 is a component of the RNA-directed DNA methylation effector complex and may have a role in linking siRNA production with pre-existing or de novo cytosine methylation [].
