Anti-AGO4

This gene encodes a member of the Argonaute family of proteins which play a role in RNA interference. The encoded protein is highly basic containing PAZ and PIWI domains, and it may play a role in short-interfering-RNA-mediated gene silencing. This gene is located on chromosome 1 in a cluster of closely related family members including argonaute 3, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2C, 1. Protein function: Required for RNA-mediated gene silencing (RNAi). Binds to short RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and represses the translation of mRNAs which are complementary to them. Lacks endonuclease activity and does not appear to cleave target mRNAs. Also required for RNA-directed transcription and replication of the human hapatitis delta virus (HDV). [The UniProt Consortium]