InterPro domain: IPR032474

This entry represents the N-terminal domain of argonaute proteins from eukaryotes. This domain is composed of an antiparallel four-stranded beta sheet core that has two alpha helices positioned along one face of the sheet and an extended beta strand towards its N terminus. The core fold of the N domain most closely resembles the catalytic domain of replication-initiator protein Rep. The N domain is linked to the PAZ domain via linker 1 region, and together these three regions are designated the PAZ-containing lobe of argonaute [ 1 ].

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