Mediator and the mechanism of transcriptional activation

Trends Biochem Sci. 2005 May;30(5):235-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2005.03.011.

Abstract

Mediator was discovered because of its activity in a yeast RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcription system - it is needed for the system to respond to a transcriptional activator. Mediator is the central link in the enhancer-->activator-->Mediator-->pol II-->promoter pathway. The transduction of regulatory signals through this pathway is crucial for transcription of almost all pol II promoters in all eukaryote organisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism*
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • Transcriptional Activation*

Substances

  • Fungal Proteins
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors
  • RNA Polymerase II