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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
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Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library
Published on: April 6, 2012
MicroRNA biogenesis and cancer
Richard I Gregory1, Ramin Shiekhattar
1Gene Expression and Regulation Program, and Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. shiekhattar@wistar.upenn.edu
Cancer Research
|May 4, 2005
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNAs regulating gene expression and are vital for cell viability. The Microprocessor complex, containing Drosha and DGCR8, is essential for processing these miRNAs, with implications for cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs.
- miRNAs regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- miRNAs are crucial for cell viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the protein complex responsible for miRNA precursor processing.
- To investigate the components of this complex.
- To explore the link between miRNA dysregulation and cancer.
Main Methods:
- Identification of a multisubunit protein complex.
- Biochemical assays to determine complex function.
- Analysis of gene deletion effects (DiGeorge syndrome).
Main Results:
- A multisubunit complex, termed Microprocessor, was identified.
- Microprocessor is necessary and sufficient for miRNA precursor processing.
- The complex contains Drosha (an RNase III endonuclease) and DGCR8.
Conclusions:
- The Microprocessor complex is key to miRNA biogenesis.
- Perturbations in miRNA pathways, involving Microprocessor, are linked to cancer.
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