Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an important means of eliminating mRNAs, but the intracellular location of RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) remains unknown. We show here that Argonaute 2, a key component of RISC, is not randomly distributed but concentrates in mRNA decay centres that are known as cytoplasmic bodies. The localization of Argonaute 2 in decay centres is not altered by the presence or absence of small interfering RNAs or their targeted mRNAs. However, RNA is required for the integrity of cytoplasmic bodies because RNase eliminates Argonaute 2 localization. In addition, Argonaute 1, another Argonaute family member, is concentrated in cytoplasmic bodies. These results provide new insight into the mechanism of RNAi function.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Argonaute Proteins
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Autoantigens / genetics
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Autoantigens / metabolism
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Cytoplasm / genetics
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Cytoplasm / metabolism*
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Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2
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Humans
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Macromolecular Substances / metabolism
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Mice
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Organic Cation Transport Proteins / genetics
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Organic Cation Transport Proteins / metabolism
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Peptide Initiation Factors / genetics
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Peptide Initiation Factors / metabolism*
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RNA Interference / physiology*
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RNA, Messenger / genetics
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
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RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
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RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
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RNA-Binding Proteins
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RNA-Induced Silencing Complex / genetics
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RNA-Induced Silencing Complex / metabolism*
Substances
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AGO2 protein, human
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Argonaute Proteins
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Autoantigens
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Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2
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Macromolecular Substances
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Organic Cation Transport Proteins
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Peptide Initiation Factors
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RNA, Messenger
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RNA, Small Interfering
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RNA-Binding Proteins
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RNA-Induced Silencing Complex
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TNRC6A protein, human
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solute carrier family 22 (organic cation transporter), member 3