ago1 — Schizosaccharomyces pombe 972h-

Summary

SPCC736.11, also known as ago1 or SMS-2, encodes an Argonaute family protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe 972h- on chromosome 3. The product contains Piwi, PAZ, and RNaseH-like domains and possesses endoribonuclease activity that cleaves siRNA-paired mRNA, along with siRNA and ssRNA binding activities. Ago1 is associated with RNA interference pathways, including siRNA-mediated post-transcriptional gene silencing, RNAi-mediated heterochromatin assembly at centromeres, and RNA surveillance. It localizes to the RITS and ARC complexes, heterochromatin islands, and the nucleus. The gene is linked to regulation of cell cycle checkpoints, mitochondrial translation, and oxidative phosphorylation. Phenotypic associations include decreased UV resistance, increased replicative and chronological lifespan, decreased oxidative stress resistance, increased heat sensitivity, abnormal sporulation, and altered competitive fitness. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to traits such as panicle number.