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Updated: Oct 21, 2025

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Published on: May 23, 2020
Identification and Functional Characterization of Argonaute (Ago) Proteins in Insect Genomes
Bernard Moussian1, Nicolas Casadei2
1Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France. bernard.moussian@unice.fr.
Abstract:
RNA processing is a vital process in all organisms. In eukaryotes, the RNA induced silencing complex (RISC) mediates this function during development and physiological processes and, at least in arthropods, during RNA-viral infections. Argonaute-like RNA-binding proteins are central components of this complex. RNA-based insecticides are gaining more and more a central role in pest control. Understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms including Ago-like proteins is crucial in designing powerful, species-specific and environmental-friendly insecticides. This chapter describes a protocol for identification and genetic functional analyses of insect Ago-like proteins in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster that serves as a living test tube.
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