DGCR8
DGCR8 (DGCR8 microprocessor complex subunit, also known as Pasha, DGCRK6, Gy1 or C22orf12) is a nuclear RNA- and heme-binding protein. It is the non-catalytic subunit of the microprocessor complex and acts in the first step of microRNA biogenesis. Browse Assay Genie's current range of DGCR8 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
DGCR8 is a component of the microprocessor complex, which is required to process primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) in the nucleus and release precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA). Within the complex, DGCR8 acts as a molecular anchor. It recognises the pri-miRNA at the dsRNA-ssRNA junction and directs the ribonuclease III enzyme DROSHA to cleave 11 bp from that junction. The resulting hairpin-shaped pre-miRNAs are then cut by cytoplasmic DICER to generate mature miRNAs. Both double-stranded and single-stranded regions of a pri-miRNA are needed for DGCR8 binding, and the protein specifically recognises N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-containing pri-miRNAs, a modification required for their processing.
The protein binds heme, and this affects its activity. The heme-bound DGCR8 dimer binds pri-miRNAs as a cooperative trimer of dimers and is active in triggering cleavage. The heme-free monomer binds pri-miRNAs as a dimer and is much less active. The DGCR8 gene encodes a double-stranded RNA binding protein, and alternate splicing produces multiple transcript variants. UniProt places the protein in the nucleus, including the nucleolus.
Beyond miRNA biogenesis, DGCR8 is involved in silencing embryonic stem cell self-renewal. It also contributes to DNA repair by promoting recruitment of RNF168 to RNF8 and MDC1 at DNA double-strand breaks, and the subsequent clearance of those breaks. The gene name comes from the DiGeorge syndrome critical region, and it has also been listed as chromosome 22 open reading frame 12. HGNC classes it in the microprocessor complex group and among microRNA protein coding host genes.
DGCR8 anchors pri-miRNA recognition and positions DROSHA for cleavage, making it central to studies of the first step of miRNA maturation.
DGCR8 specifically recognises m6A-containing pri-miRNAs, a modification required for processing, which links it to research on RNA methylation and miRNA maturation.
DGCR8 is involved in silencing embryonic stem cell self-renewal, so it is relevant to work on pluripotency and differentiation.
DGCR8 promotes recruitment of RNF168 to RNF8 and MDC1 at double-strand breaks, supporting studies of DNA repair signalling.
DGCR8 is the non-catalytic subunit of the microprocessor complex. It binds pri-miRNAs at the dsRNA-ssRNA junction and directs DROSHA to cleave them, releasing pre-miRNAs for later processing by DICER. It also has roles in embryonic stem cell self-renewal silencing and in DNA double-strand break repair.
DGCR8 is also called Pasha, DGCRK6, Gy1 and C22orf12. Its previous names include DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 8 and chromosome 22 open reading frame 12. UniProt lists the protein as microprocessor complex subunit DGCR8. NCBI notes that alternate splicing gives multiple transcript variants.
Yes. A mouse ortholog, Dgcr8, is recorded for the human gene. The human gene lies in the DiGeorge syndrome critical region, which gave it its name. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other microprocessor partners, miRNA processing enzymes and DNA damage response proteins with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q8WYQ5; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.