Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

CD Spectroscopy to Study DNA-Protein Interactions
Published on: February 10, 2022
Noncanonical functions of microRNA pathway enzymes - Drosha, DGCR8, Dicer and Ago proteins
Sheng K Pong1, Monika Gullerova1
1Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, UK.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory noncoding RNAs that are generated in the canonical RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Drosha, DiGeorge syndrome critical region 8 (DGCR8) and Dicer are key players in miRNA biogenesis. Argonaute (Ago) proteins bind to miRNAs and are guided by them to find messenger RNA targets and carry out post-transcriptional silencing of protein-coding genes. Recently, emerging evidence suggests that RNAi factors have a range of noncanonical functions that are beyond miRNA biogenesis. These functions pertain to various biological processes, such as development, transcriptional regulation, RNA processing and maintenance of genome integrity. Here, we review recent literature reporting miRNA-independent, noncanonical functions of Drosha, DGCR8, Dicer and Ago proteins and discuss the importance of these functions.
More Related Videos
11:47Residue-specific Incorporation of Noncanonical Amino Acids into Model Proteins Using an Escherichia coli Cell-free Transcription-translation System
Published on: August 1, 2016
09:45An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
Published on: May 21, 2019
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
Enzymes
Enzyme deficiencies can often translate into life-threatening diseases. For example, a genetic abnormality resulting in the deficiency of the enzyme G6PD...
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
Mechanical Protein Functions
Enzyme-linked Receptors
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...