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The structural basis for RNA slicing by human Argonaute2.

Abdallah A Mohamed1,2, Peter Y Wang1,3,4,2, David P Bartel1,3,4

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Argonaute (AGO) proteins are crucial for gene silencing. Researchers revealed the structure of human AGO in a slicing-ready state, uncovering key rearrangements for target recognition and RNA slicing.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Argonaute (AGO) proteins and guide RNAs form complexes essential for post-transcriptional gene silencing.
  • These pathways are vital in eukaryotes and form the basis of novel clinical therapies.
  • Structural data for AGOs in a fully paired, slicing-competent state, crucial for function, has been notably absent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structural basis of human Argonaute (AGO) proteins in a fully paired, slicing-competent conformation.
  • To understand the molecular mechanisms enabling AGO to bind and slice perfectly matched target RNAs.
  • To provide insights into the structural dynamics underlying efficient gene silencing.

Main Methods:

  • Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was employed to determine the structure of a human AGO-guide complex.
  • The structure was analyzed in complex with a fully paired target RNA.
  • Structural comparisons and functional assessments were performed to understand conformational changes.

Main Results:

  • The study presents the cryo-EM structure of a human AGO-guide complex bound to a fully paired target RNA.
  • Key structural rearrangements were identified, including the rotation of the AGO N domain for RNA access and the stabilization of the PIWI domain loop.
  • These rearrangements facilitate efficient target binding and license rapid RNA slicing.

Conclusions:

  • The determined structure explains how AGO proteins accommodate fully paired targets, crucial for biological and clinical applications.
  • The findings reveal specific conformational changes that enable the intrinsically unstable slicing-competent state.
  • This structural insight is critical for understanding gene silencing mechanisms and developing related therapeutics.