Ribonuclease III double-stranded(ds) RNA-specific endoribonuclease that is involved in the initial step of microRNA(miRNA) biogenesis. Component of the microprocessor complex that is required to process primary miRNA transcripts(pri-miRNAs) to release precursor miRNA(pre-miRNA) in the nucleus. Within the microprocessor complex, DROSHA cleaves the 3' and 5' strands of a stem-loop in pri-miRNAs(processing center 11 bp from the dsRNA-ssRNA junction) to release hairpin-shaped pre-miRNAs that are subsequently cut by the cytoplasmic DICER to generate mature miRNAs. Involved also in pre-rRNA processing. Cleaves double-strand RNA and does not cleave single-strand RNA. Involved in the formation of GW bodies.
