Microprocessor comple, Xenopus/Amphibian, subunit DGCR8 (DGCR8) is a component of the microprocessor comple, Xenopus/Amphibian, that is required to process primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) to release precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) in the nucleus. Within the microprocessor comple, Xenopus/Amphibian,, DGCR8 functions as a molecular anchor necessary for the recognition of pri-miRNA at dsRNA-ssRNA junction and directs DROSHA to cleave 11 bp away from the junction to release hairpin-shaped pre-miRNAs that are subsequently cut by the cytoplasmic DICER to generate mature miRNAs.