The family of Argonaute proteins has important roles in RNA-mediated gene silencing. Argonaute proteins form complexes with small non-coding RNAs such as small interfering RNAs and microRNAs, control protein synthesis and mRNA stability, and participate in the production of a new class of small RNAs, Piwi-interacting RNAs.
- Gyorgy Hutvagner
- Martin J. Simard