This gene encodes a member of the Argonaute family of proteins which play a role in RNA interference. The encoded protein is highly basic containing PAZ and PIWI domains, and it may play a role in short-interfering-RNA-mediated gene silencing. This gene is located on chromosome 1 in a cluster of closely related family members including argonaute 3, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2C, 1.