Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Drosha is the main RNase III-like enzyme involved in the process of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis in the nucleus. Using whole-genome ChIP-on-chip analysis, we demonstrate that, in addition to miRNA sequences, Drosha specifically binds promoter-proximal regions of many human genes in a transcription-dependent manner. This binding is not associated with miRNA production or RNA cleavage. Drosha knockdown in HeLa cells downregulated nascent gene transcription, resulting in a reduction of polyadenylated mRNA produced from these gene regions. Furthermore, we show that this function of Drosha is dependent on its N-terminal protein-interaction domain, which associates with the RNA-binding protein CBP80 and RNA Polymerase II. Consequently, we uncover a previously unsuspected RNA cleavage-independent function of Drosha in the regulation of human gene expression.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.celrep.2013.11.032

Type

Journal article

Journal

Cell Rep

Publication Date

26/12/2013

Volume

5

Pages

1499 - 1510

Keywords

Binding Sites, HeLa Cells, Humans, MicroRNAs, Nuclear Cap-Binding Protein Complex, Promoter Regions, Genetic, Protein Binding, RNA Polymerase II, RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional, RNA Stability, Ribonuclease III, Transcription Elongation, Genetic