InterPro domain: IPR032472

ArgoL2 is the second linker domain in eukaryotic argonaute proteins. It starts with two alpha-helices aligned orthogonally to each other followed by a beta-strand involved in linking the two lobes, the PAZ lobe and the Piwi lobe of argonaute to each other. Linker 2 together with the N, PAZ and L1 domains form a compact global fold [ 1 ]. Numerous residues from Piwi, L1 and L2 linkers direct the path of the phosphate backbone of nucleotides 7-9, thus allowing DNA-slicing [ 2 ].

1. Crystal structure of A. aeolicus argonaute, a site-specific DNA-guided endoribonuclease, provides insights into RISC-mediated mRNA cleavage. Mol. Cell 19, 405-19
2. The making of a slicer: activation of human Argonaute-1. Cell Rep 3, 1901-9