Structures and Compositional Dynamics of Mediator in Transcription Regulation

Authors

Tao Li
Ti-Chun Chao
Kuang-Lei Tsai

Language

English

Publication Date

10-1-2024

Journal

Current Opinion in Structural Biology

DOI

10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102892

PMID

39067114

PMCID

PMC11779508

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

10-1-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

The eukaryotic Mediator, comprising a large Core (cMED) and a dissociable CDK8 kinase module (CKM), functions as a critical coregulator during RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription. cMED recruits RNAPII and facilitates the assembly of the pre-initiation complex (PIC) at promoters. In contrast, CKM prevents RNAPII binding to cMED while simultaneously exerting positive or negative influence on gene transcription through its kinase function. Recent structural studies on cMED and CKM have revealed their intricate architectures and subunit interactions. Here, we explore these structures, providing a comprehensive insight into Mediator (cMED-CKM) architecture and its potential mechanism in regulating RNAPII transcription. Additionally, we discuss the remaining puzzles that require further investigation to fully understand how cMED coordinates with CKM to regulate transcription in various events.

Keywords

Transcription, Genetic, Mediator Complex, RNA Polymerase II, Humans, Gene Expression Regulation, Protein Binding, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8, Models, Molecular, Mediator, CDK8 kinase module (CKM), core Mediator (cMED), Transcription, MED12, MED13, T-loop, RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), Pre-initiation complex (PIC)

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Tao Li, Ti-Chun Chao, and Kuang-Lei Tsai, "Structures and Compositional Dynamics of Mediator in Transcription Regulation" (2024). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 6596.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthgsbs_docs/6596