Argonaute proteins

Argonaute proteins are essential molecules involved in the regulation of gene expression and silencing of viruses in living organisms. They play a key role in a biological process called RNA interference, which helps control the activity of genes by interacting with small RNA molecules. By binding to these small RNAs, Argonaute proteins can target and destroy matching RNA messages that would otherwise produce proteins. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining cellular health and stability, as it helps prevent the production of unwanted proteins and defends against viral infections.