Argonaute and Argonaute-Bound Small RNAs in Stem Cells

Int J Mol Sci. 2016 Feb 4;17(2):208. doi: 10.3390/ijms17020208.

Abstract

Small RNAs are essential for a variety of cellular functions. Argonaute (AGO) proteins are associated with all of the different classes of small RNAs, and are indispensable in small RNA-mediated regulatory pathways. AGO proteins have been identified in various types of stem cells in diverse species from plants and animals. This review article highlights recent progress on how AGO proteins and AGO-bound small RNAs regulate the self-renewal and differentiation of distinct stem cell types, including pluripotent, germline, somatic, and cancer stem cells.

Keywords: Argonaute; Piwi; small RNAs; stem cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Argonaute Proteins / chemistry
  • Argonaute Proteins / genetics
  • Argonaute Proteins / metabolism*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Multigene Family
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
  • RNA, Small Untranslated / chemistry
  • RNA, Small Untranslated / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Untranslated / metabolism*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*

Substances

  • Argonaute Proteins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • RNA, Small Untranslated