Mechanisms of Mediator complex action in transcriptional activation

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2013 Aug;70(15):2743-56. doi: 10.1007/s00018-013-1265-9. Epub 2013 Jan 30.

Abstract

Mediator is a large multisubunit complex that plays a central role in the regulation of RNA Pol II transcribed genes. Conserved in overall structure and function among eukaryotes, Mediator comprises 25-30 protein subunits that reside in four distinct modules, termed head, middle, tail, and CDK8/kinase. Different subunits of Mediator contact other transcriptional regulators including activators, co-activators, general transcription factors, subunits of RNA Pol II, and specifically modified histones, leading to the regulated expression of target genes. This review is focused on the interactions of specific Mediator subunits with diverse transcription regulators and how those interactions contribute to Mediator function in transcriptional activation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Mediator Complex / genetics
  • Mediator Complex / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Protein Conformation*
  • Protein Subunits / genetics
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism*
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism
  • Species Specificity
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcriptional Activation / physiology*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Mediator Complex
  • Protein Subunits
  • Transcription Factors
  • RNA Polymerase II