Single-molecule FRET uncovers hidden conformations and dynamics of human Argonaute 2

Sarah Willkomm (), Leonhard Jakob, Kevin Kramm, Veronika Graus, Julia Neumeier, Gunter Meister and Dina Grohmann ()
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Sarah Willkomm: University of Regensburg
Leonhard Jakob: University of Regensburg
Kevin Kramm: University of Regensburg
Veronika Graus: University of Regensburg
Julia Neumeier: University of Regensburg
Gunter Meister: University of Regensburg
Dina Grohmann: University of Regensburg

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Human Argonaute 2 (hAgo2) constitutes the functional core of the RNA interference pathway. Guide RNAs direct hAgo2 to target mRNAs, which ultimately leads to hAgo2-mediated mRNA degradation or translational inhibition. Here, we combine site-specifically labeled hAgo2 with time-resolved single-molecule FRET measurements to monitor conformational states and dynamics of hAgo2 and hAgo2-RNA complexes in solution that remained elusive so far. We observe dynamic anchoring and release of the guide’s 3’-end from the PAZ domain during the stepwise target loading process even with a fully complementary target. We find differences in structure and dynamic behavior between partially and fully paired canonical hAgo2-guide/target complexes and the miRNA processing complex formed by hAgo2 and pre-miRNA451. Furthermore, we detect a hitherto unknown conformation of hAgo2-guide/target complexes that poises them for target-directed miRNA degradation. Taken together, our results show how the conformational flexibility of hAgo2-RNA complexes determines function and the fate of the ribonucleoprotein particle.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31480-4

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