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Related Experiment Videos

Prokaryotic Argonautes - variations on the RNA interference theme.

John van der Oost1, Daan C Swarts1, Matthijs M Jore2

  • 1Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Dreijenplein 10, 6703 HB Wageningen, Netherlands.

Microbial Cell (Graz, Austria)
|March 31, 2017
PubMed
Summary

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Prokaryotic Argonaute (pAgo) proteins show diverse structures, suggesting novel RNA interference mechanisms. These findings reveal potential variations on eukaryotic RNAi pathways in prokaryotes.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • RNA interference (RNAi) is a vital regulatory and defense system in eukaryotes, mediated by Argonaute (Ago) proteins.
  • Eukaryotic Ago proteins are classified as catalytically active (cleaving RNA) or inactive (down-regulating translation).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and diversity of Argonaute-like proteins in prokaryotic genomes.
  • To explore potential variations in RNA interference mechanisms in prokaryotes.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomics analysis of prokaryotic genomes.
  • Examination of Argonaute-like protein domain architecture and catalytic site integrity.

Main Results:

  • Prokaryotic Argonaute (pAgo) proteins exhibit significant domain architecture variation.
Keywords:
ArchaeaArgonauteBacteriaRNAi

Related Experiment Videos

  • Two main types of pAgo proteins were identified: long pAgo (complete/disrupted catalytic site) and short pAgo (incomplete catalytic site).
  • Short pAgo proteins often co-occur with predicted nucleases.

    • Conclusions:

    • The diversity of pAgo proteins suggests unique RNA-guided processes in prokaryotes.
    • Absence of eukaryotic RNAi components like Dicer in prokaryotes supports novel RNAi variations.
    • Prokaryotic Argonaute proteins may utilize different strategies for RNA-guided functions compared to eukaryotes.