Several classes of small RNAs, including short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have been identified. MicroRNAs are about 21 nucleotides in length and have been implicated in many cellular processes such as development, differentiation, and stress response. These small RNAs function together with complexes called micro-ribonucleoproteins (miRNPs) to regulate gene expression by modulating mRNA translation or stability. Among the most important components in these complexes are argonaute proteins. There are four members in the mammalian argonaute family and only argonaute 2 (Ago2) possesses the Slicer endonuclease activity. Argonaute proteins participate in various steps of microRNA-mediated gene silencing, such as repression of translation and mRNA turnover. These activities may be regulated by cell signaling events that alter argonaute phosphorylation. EGFR phosphorylates Tyr-393 in Ago2, which reduces binding to Dicer and inhibits miRNA processing. Akt3 phosphorylates Ago2 at Ser-387 leading to reduced mRNA cleavage and enhanced translational repression.

References

*For more information, see UniProt Accession Q9UKV8

The products are are safely shipped at ambient temperature for both domestic and international shipments. Each product is guaranteed to match the specifications as indicated on the corresponding technical data sheet. Please store at -20C upon arrival for long term storage.