Structural biology of RNA silencing and its functional implications

Abstract

We outline structure-function contributions from our laboratories on protein-RNA recognition events that monitor siRNA length, 5′-phosphate and 2-nucleotide 3′ overhangs, as well as the architecture of Argonaute, its externally bound siRNA complex, and Argonaute-based models involving guide-strand-mediated mRNA binding, cleavage, and release. © 2006 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.