MicroRNA-independent roles of the RNase III enzymes Drosha and Dicer.

Abstract

The ribonuclease III enzymes Drosha and Dicer are renowned for their central roles in the biogenesis of microRNAs (miRNAs). For many years, this has overshadowed the true versatility and importance of these enzymes in the processing of other RNA substrates. For example, Drosha also recognizes and cleaves messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and potentially ribosomal RNA. The cleavage of mRNAs occurs via recognition of secondary stem-loop structures similar to miRNA precursors, and is an important mechanism of repressing gene expression, particularly in progenitor/stem cell populations. On the other hand, Dicer also has critical roles in genome regulation and surveillance. These include the production of ..