In eukaryotes, RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcribes all protein-coding genes and many noncoding RNAs. Whereas many factors contribute to the regulation of pol II activity, the Mediator complex is required for expression of most, if not all, pol II transcripts. Structural characterization of Mediator is challenging due to its large size (∼20 subunits in yeast and 26 subunits in humans) and conformational flexibility. However, recent studies have revealed structural details at higher resolution. Here, we summarize recent findings and place in context with previous results, highlighting regions within Mediator that are important for regulating its structure and function.
Keywords: CDK8 module; Mediator; RNA polymerase II; X-ray crystallography; cross-linking mass spectrometry; cryo-electron microscopy; gene expression; protein structure; transcription.
© 2018 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.