Structural highlights
Function
PIWI_ARCFU Required for RNA-mediated gene silencing (RNAi). Binds to short RNAs such as short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and may cleave or repress the translation of mRNAs which are complementary to them (By similarity).
Evolutionary Conservation
Check, as determined by ConSurfDB. You may read the explanation of the method and the full data available from ConSurf.
Publication Abstract from PubMed
Target recognition in RNA silencing is governed by the "seed sequence" of a guide RNA strand associated with the PIWI/MID domain of an Argonaute protein in RISC. Using a reconstituted in vitro target recognition system, we show that a model PIWI/MID domain protein confers position-dependent tightening and loosening of guide-strand-target interactions. Over the seed sequence, the interaction affinity is enhanced up to approximately 300-fold. Enhancement is achieved through a reduced entropy penalty for the interaction. In contrast, interactions 3' of the seed are inhibited. We quantified mismatched target recognition inside and outside the seed, revealing amplified discrimination at the third position in the seed mediated by the PIWI/MID domain. Thus, association of the guide strand with the PIWI/MID domain generates an enhanced affinity anchor site over the seed that can promote fidelity in target recognition and stabilize and guide the assembly of the active silencing complex.
Enhancement of the seed-target recognition step in RNA silencing by a PIWI/MID domain protein.,Parker JS, Parizotto EA, Wang M, Roe SM, Barford D Mol Cell. 2009 Jan 30;33(2):204-14. PMID:19187762[1]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
References
- ↑ Parker JS, Parizotto EA, Wang M, Roe SM, Barford D. Enhancement of the seed-target recognition step in RNA silencing by a PIWI/MID domain protein. Mol Cell. 2009 Jan 30;33(2):204-14. PMID:19187762 doi:S1097-2765(08)00853-8
