AGO1 (Argonaute-1) is a key component of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), playing a central role in post-transcriptional gene regulation through microRNA (miRNA)-mediated silencing. As a member of the Argonaute protein family, AGO1 binds small non-coding RNAs, such as miRNAs or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), to guide RISC to complementary mRNA targets. This interaction typically leads to translational repression or degradation of the target mRNA, thereby modulating gene expression. AGO1 is widely expressed across tissues and is evolutionarily conserved, underscoring its fundamental role in cellular processes, including development, differentiation, and stress responses.
AGO1-specific antibodies are essential tools for studying miRNA mechanisms, RISC assembly, and gene silencing pathways. Researchers use these antibodies in techniques like immunoprecipitation (e.g., RIP-Seq to identify miRNA targets), Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Dysregulation of AGO1 has been linked to diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, and viral infections, making its detection and quantification critical for both basic research and clinical investigations. Commercially available AGO1 antibodies are typically validated for specificity against paralogs (e.g., AGO2. which has endonucleolytic activity in siRNA pathways) and cross-reactivity across species (human, mouse, rat). However, users must verify experimental conditions, as AGO1's function can overlap with other Argonaute proteins, and antibody performance may vary depending on sample preparation and assay type.