Mediator structure and function in transcription initiation

Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy have led to multiple structures of Mediator in complex with the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription initiation machinery. As a result we now hold in hands near-complete structures of both yeast and human Mediator complexes and have a better understanding of their interactions with the Pol II pre-initiation complex (PIC). Herein, we provide a summary of recent achievements and discuss their implications for future studies of Mediator and its role in gene regulation.