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DroshaDGCR8

Drosha-DGCR8, commonly referred to as the Microprocessor complex, is the nuclear RNase III endonuclease that initiates canonical microRNA biogenesis by cleaving primary microRNA transcripts into precursor microRNAs.

The complex consists of Drosha, the catalytic RNase III subunit, and DGCR8, a double-stranded RNA-binding protein.

Functionally, the Microprocessor operates in the nucleus as a key control point in miRNA maturation. Its activity

Genetic and clinical relevance: The DGCR8 gene resides in the 22q11.2 chromosomal region. Haploinsufficiency or altered

Evolution and significance: The Drosha-DGCR8 complex is conserved among metazoans, with homologs such as Pasha in

DGCR8
recognizes
and
binds
to
the
stem-loop
structure
of
pri-miRNAs
and
helps
position
Drosha
for
precise
cleavage.
The
complex
typically
cuts
about
11
nucleotides
from
the
base
of
the
hairpin,
generating
a
~70-nucleotide
pre-miRNA
with
a
characteristic
2-nucleotide
3'
overhang.
is
modulated
by
cofactors
such
as
DDX5
(p68)
and
by
post-translational
modifications
and
signaling
pathways,
which
influence
the
selection
and
efficiency
of
pri-miRNA
processing.
regulation
of
DGCR8
can
affect
miRNA
processing
and
has
been
discussed
in
the
context
of
features
associated
with
22q11.2
deletion
syndrome,
as
well
as
various
cancers
and
developmental
disorders
where
miRNA
profiles
are
disrupted.
Drosophila
and
analogous
components
in
other
species.
It
represents
a
central,
conserved
step
in
the
miRNA
biogenesis
pathway
and
interfaces
with
additional
RNA-processing
factors
to
shape
gene
regulation
through
microRNAs.