MicroRNA-independent functions of DGCR8 are essential for neocortical development and TBR1 expression.

ABSTRACT: Recent evidence indicates that the miRNA biogenesis factors DROSHA, DGCR8, and DICER exert non-overlapping functions, and have also roles in miRNA-independent regulatory mechanisms. However, it is currently unknown whether miRNA-independent functions of DGCR8 play any role in the maintenance of neuronal progenitors and during corticogenesis. Here, by phenotypic comparison of cortices from conditional Dgcr8 and Dicer knockout mice, we show that Dgcr8 deletion, in contrast to Dicer depletion, leads to premature differentiation of neural progenitor cells and overproduction of TBR1-positive neurons. Remarkably, depletion of miRNAs upon DCGR8 loss is reduced compared to DICER loss, indicating that these phenotypic differences are mediated by miRNA-independent functio

SUBMITTER: Marinaro F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5376964 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature