The Drosha–DGCR8, or Microprocessor, complex, is required for microRNA biogenesis. DGCR8 recognizes the RNA substrates, whereas Drosha functions as an endonuclease. High-throughput sequencing and cross-linking immunoprecipitation (HITS-CLIP) analyses reveal many other RNA targets of DGCR8 besides microRNAs, including snoRNAs, which are processed in a Drosha-independent manner, as well as long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs of protein-coding genes.
- Sara Macias
- Mireya Plass
- Javier F Cáceres
