Argonaute proteins are found in all kingdoms of life and they exert their function through binding to specific classes of small non-coding RNAs. Generally, the small RNAs guide Argonaute proteins to target nucleic acids by sequence complementarity. The mechanistic consequences of such RNA-guided interactions differ across evolutionary conserved Argonaute clades and diverse Argonaute-dependent regulatory pathways have been identified. While some of these pathways have been studied extensively in the past decades, specific aspects remain rather elusive. Furthermore, Argonaute proteins have been implicated in many cellular pathways and exciting findings have been reported in recent years ranging from cellular defense mechanisms of prokaryotic Argonaute proteins to disease causing mutations in human Argonaute proteins. The “Argonautes” conference covers all aspects of Argonaute protein structure, function and regulation in a broad range of organisms ranging from prokaryotes and plants to flies, worms and mammals. We aim to connect scientists working on different aspects of Argonaute function and to exchange principle knowledge about this highly conserved protein family and to discuss common but also unique principles of Argonaute protein mechanisms and functions.
Stefan Ameres, IMBA - Max Perutz Labs, Vienna (Austria)
Our scientific Argonautes conference will partially overlap with the Argonautes syndrome conference organized by the AGO2 Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the life of children and families impacted by AGO2 (Lessel-Kreienkamp/Leskres) syndrome. This conference is open for patient families of Leskres syndrome and AGO1-related syndromes, researchers, clinicians, and other interested parties. A joined conference dinner for attendees of both conferences will be one of many opportunities to connect patient families, researchers and clinicians in a stimulating environment. For further information please visit the AGO2 Association website under the following link: https://ago2.org/en/conference-22
