AGO3

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. Proposed to be involved in stabilization of small RNA derivates (siRNA) derived from processed RNA polymerase III-transcribed Alu repeats containing a DR2 retinoic acid response element (RARE) in stem cells and in the subsequent siRNA-dependent degradation of a subset of RNA polymerase II-transcribed coding mRNAs by recruiting a mRNA decapping complex involving EDC4. Possesses RNA slicer activity but only on select RNAs bearing 5'- and 3'-flanking sequences to the region of guide-target complementarity (PubMed:29040713).

Post-translational modifications

Ubiquitinated on surface-exposed lysines by a SCF-like E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex containing ZSWIM8 during target-directed microRNA degradation (TDMD), a process that mediates degradation of microRNAs (miRNAs). Ubiquitination by the SCF-like E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex containing ZSWIM8 leads to its subsequent degradation, thereby exposing miRNAs for degradation. ZSWIM8 recognizes and binds AGO3 when it is engaged with a TDMD target.

Sequence Similarities

Belongs to the argonaute family. Ago subfamily.

Cellular localization

• Cytoplasm
• P-body

Alternative names

EIF2C3, AGO3, Protein argonaute-3, Argonaute3, hAgo3, Argonaute RISC catalytic component 3, Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2C 3, eIF-2C 3, eIF2C 3

Database links

swissprot:Q9H9G7 genbank:NP_079128 genbank:NP_803171 omim:607355 entrezGene:192669