AGO1 — Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15

Summary

MGG_14873 (MoAGO1, also known as MoSMS-2) on chromosome 4 of Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15 encodes a eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2C 2 with endoribonuclease activity that cleaves siRNA-paired mRNA, producing 5'-phosphomonoesters, and binds siRNA and ssRNA. The protein contains Argonaute, Piwi, PAZ, and RNaseH-like domains. MoAGO1 is associated with RNAi-mediated chromatin silencing, heterochromatin assembly at centromeres, telomeric silencing, and maintenance of G0 phase. It localizes to the RITS and ARC complexes, heterochromatin, and the nucleus. The gene is linked to abnormal sporulation, decreased anaerobic growth, UV resistance, oxidative stress resistance, and thermotolerance, as well as increased replicative and chronological lifespan. Related genes in other species connect the family to RNA silencing pathways.