MED8

This gene encodes a protein that is one of more than 20 subunits of the mediator complex, first identified in S. cerevisiae, that is required for activation of transcription. The product of this gene also interacts with elongins B and C, and CUL2 and RBX1, to reconstitute a ubiquitin ligase. Two alternative transcripts encoding different isoforms have been described. [provided by RefSeq]

Full Name

MED8

Function

Component of the Mediator complex, a coactivator involved in the regulated transcription of nearly all RNA polymerase II-dependent genes. Mediator functions as a bridge to convey information from gene-specific regulatory proteins to the basal RNA polymerase II transcription machinery. Mediator is recruited to promoters by direct interactions with regulatory proteins and serves as a scaffold for the assembly of a functional preinitiation complex with RNA polymerase II and the general transcription factors. May play a role as a target recruitment subunit in E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complexes and thus in ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of target proteins.

Biological Process

Positive regulation of transcription elongation from RNA polymerase II promoter Source: ComplexPortal
Positive regulation of transcription initiation from RNA polymerase II promoter Source: ComplexPortal
Protein ubiquitination Source: UniProtKB-UniPathway
Regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II Source: GO_Central
RNA polymerase II preinitiation complex assembly Source: ComplexPortal

Cellular Location

Nucleus