Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2C 2 (EIF2C2) is required for RNA-mediated gene silencing (RNAi) by the RNA-induced silencing comple, Xenopus/Amphibian, (RISC). The 'minimal RISC' appears to include EIF2C2 bound to a short guide RNA such as a microRNA (miRNA) or short interfering RNA (siRNA). These guide RNAs direct RISC to complementary mRNAs that are targets for RISC-mediated gene silencing. The precise mechanism of gene silencing depends on the degree of complementarity between the miRNA or siRNA and its target.