Microprocessor complex subunit DGCR8 (DGCR8)

Part of the microprocessor complex that acts as a RNA- and heme-binding protein that's involved in the first step of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis. Part of the microprocessor complex that's required to process primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) to release precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) in the nucleus.

Within the microprocessor complex, DGCR8 be the molecular anchor necessary for the recognition of pri-miRNA at dsRNA-ssRNA junction and directs DROSHA to cleave 11 bp away form the junction to release hairpin-shaped pre-miRNAs that are subsequently cut by the cytoplasmic DICER to generate mature miRNAs (PubMed:26027739, PubMed:26748718). The heme-bound DGCR8 dimer binds pri-miRNAs as a combined trimer (of dimers) and is active in triggering pri-miRNA cleavage, whereas the heme-free DGCR8 monomer binds pri-miRNAs as a dimer and is much less active.