Human Protein Argonaute-2 (AGO2) Protein

Background

AGO2 is the most well-characterized and catalytically active member of the Argonaute family, playing a central role in the RISC complex. AGO2 binds miRNAs and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to mediate both translational repression and endonucleolytic cleavage (slicing) of target mRNAs. Its conserved PIWI domain is responsible for its slicer activity, enabling AGO2 to degrade complementary mRNA targets directly. AGO2 is highly expressed in many tissues and is involved in crucial cellular processes, including gene silencing, developmental regulation, and the cellular response to viral infections. Dysregulation of AGO2 contributes to various pathological conditions, including cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and immune disorders, due to its impact on gene expression and miRNA/siRNA pathways. AGO2 is also being explored as a potential therapeutic target in RNA-based therapies.