Which proteins do siRNAs interact with to regulate translation?

siRNAs, or small interfering RNAs, play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression through a process known as RNA interference (RNAi). They are primarily involved in silencing specific mRNAs, which prevents the translation of those mRNAs into proteins.

The correct answer pertains to the interaction between siRNAs and Argonaute proteins, which are essential components of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). When siRNAs are incorporated into RISC, they guide the complex to complementary mRNA targets.

These siRNAs within RISC bind to their target mRNA through base-pairing interactions. Once bound, the Argonaute protein within RISC utilizes its endonuclease activity to cleave the target mRNA, leading to its degradation. This degradation ultimately halts the translation process, effectively silencing the gene associated with that mRNA.

The other choices involve related components of the RNAi machinery or general interactions but do not accurately describe the direct relationship between siRNAs and the specific proteins involved in regulating translation through the RISC complex. Thus, emphasizing the collaboration of siRNAs with Argonaute proteins highlights the pivotal role they play in the translation regulation process.