The Argonaute family: tentacles that reach into RNAi, developmental control, stem cell maintenance, and tumorigenesis

In conclusion, Argonaute proteins comprise a highly conserved protein family that is involved in a variety of RNA silencing phenomena in a diverse set of organisms. Perhaps through RNAi-related pathways or possibly also through distinct mechanisms, Argonaute family members have a variety of biological roles. These include regulation of development and determination of stem-cell character. Through an ever-advancing understanding of the biochemistry and genetics of the Argonaute family, we may ultimately reveal the reach of these pathways into the basic biological mechanisms that underlie a variety of human diseases.