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Abstract:
Gene transcription by RNA polymerase II requires the
multiprotein coactivator complex Mediator. Mediator was
identified two decades ago, but its molecular mechanisms
remain poorly understood, because structural studies are
hampered by its large size, modularity, and flexibility. Here we
collect all available structural data on Mediator and discuss
their functional implications. Progress was made in
understanding the interactions of Mediator with gene-specific
transcriptional regulators and the general transcription
machinery. However, around 80% of the Mediator structure
remains unknown and details on the Mediator–Pol II interface
are lacking. In the future, an integrated structural biology
approach may unravel the functional architecture of Mediatorregulated
promoter assemblies and holds the promise of
understanding a key mechanism of gene regulation.
