2026/06/01 by Alexis Verger, Didier Monté, Vincent Villeret · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Genomics and Chromatin Dynamics #Nuclear Structure and Function #RNA Research and Splicing
paper · doi:10.1042/bst20260729
openalex publication_date 2026/06/01 · openalex created_date 2026/06/23 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/27
The Mediator complex is a central regulator of RNA polymerase II transcription, integrating signals from transcription factors and coordinating pre-initiation complex assembly. Beyond this canonical role, numerous studies have implicated Mediator complex in diverse cellular processes, including RNA processing, DNA repair, and translational control. These observations raise a fundamental question: do such functions reflect an expansion of Mediator activity as a complex, or the emergence of specialized functions at the level of individual subunits? In this review, we examine the ability of Mediator subunits to function independently of their canonical context and discuss the mechanistic principles that enable subunit specialization within multiprotein assemblies.