Protein Argonaute 7 (AGO7) Arabidopsis Thaliana Recombinant Protein

Encodes ARGONAUTE7, a member of the ARGONAUTE family, characterised by the presence of PAZ and PIWI domains. Involved in the regulation of developmental timing. Required for the accumulation of TAS3 ta-siRNAs but not for accumulation of miR171, miR173, miR390 or mi391. Localized in mature rosette leaves and floral buds.

Involved in RNA-mediated post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS). Main component of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) that binds to a short guide RNA such as a microRNA (miRNA) or small interfering RNA (siRNA). RISC uses the mature miRNA or siRNA as a guide for slicer-directed cleavage of homologous mRNAs to repress gene expression. Required for the processing of 21 nucleotide trans-acting siRNAs (ta-siRNAs) derived from TAS3a transcripts. Associates preferentially with the microRNA (miRNA) miR390 which guides the cleavage of TAS3 precursor RNA. Seems to act as miR390 specific slicer. Associates mainly with small RNAs of 21 nucleotide in length and with a 5' terminal adenosine. Acts in the RDR6/SGS3/DCL4/AGO7 trans-acting siRNA pathway involved in leaf developmental timing. Does not seems to act on leaf polarity. Required for the production of the 30-40nt bacterial-induced long siRNAs (lsiRNA). Involved in antiviral RNA silencing by contributing to efficient viral RNAs clearance. Targets less structured viral RNAs than AGO1 which is capable of targeting RNAs with more compact structures.