The function of POLR3E (RNA polymerase III subunit E, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000058600) is as follows. DNA-dependent RNA polymerase catalyzes the transcription of DNA into RNA using the four ribonucleoside triphosphates as substrates (PubMed:12391170, PubMed:20413673, PubMed:35637192). Specific peripheric component of RNA polymerase III (Pol III) which synthesizes small non-coding RNAs including 5S rRNA, snRNAs, tRNAs and miRNAs from at least 500 distinct genomic loci. Assembles with POLR3D/RPC4 forming a subcomplex that binds the Pol III core. Enables recruitment of Pol III at transcription initiation site and drives transcription initiation from both type 2 and type 3 DNA promoters. Required for efficient transcription termination and reinitiation (By similarity) (PubMed:12391170, PubMed:20413673, PubMed:35637192). Plays a key role in sensing and limiting infection by intracellular bacteria and DNA viruses. Acts as a nuclear and cytosolic DNA sensor involved in innate immune response. Can sense non-self dsDNA that serves as template for transcription into dsRNA. The non-self RNA polymerase III transcripts, such as Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNAs (EBERs) induce type I interferon and NF-kappa-B through the RIG-I pathway (PubMed:19609254, PubMed:19631370). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:P36121, ECO:0000269|PubMed:12391170, ECO:0000269|PubMed:19609254, ECO:0000269|PubMed:19631370, ECO:0000269|PubMed:20413673, ECO:0000269|PubMed:35637192}.