AGO1 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU09434, also known as AGO1 or sms-2, encodes an Argonaute-family protein with endoribonuclease activity that cleaves siRNA-paired mRNA, producing 5'-phosphomonoesters, and binds siRNA and ssRNA. In Neurospora crassa, this gene is associated with PTGS, RNA-dependent gene silencing, and RNAi-mediated heterochromatin assembly at centromeres, as well as sexual sporulation, meiosis, mating, and maintenance of G0 phase. The protein localizes to the RITS and ARC complexes, heterochromatin regions including centric and subtelomeric heterochromatin, the cytoplasm, and nucleus. Phenotypic associations link AGO1 to abnormal sporulation, decreased resistance to oxidative stress, UV, heat, metals, and toxins, increased replicative and chronological lifespan, and altered competitive fitness. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to panicle number traits.