The Mediator complex as a master regulator of transcription by RNA polymerase II

The Mediator complex is basically a central regulator/ coordinating scaffold for enhancers that beckons Pol II to transcribe DNA to RNA, but doesn’t bind to DNA itself. I think of it as a rotating log that floats around, but doesn’t touch the DNA. This log has peg holes, and the peg holes can change size and position, leaving room for various enhancers (the pegs). The size and position of the peg holes will continue to change as new enhancers bind. When the peg holes are filled ‘favorably’ then Pol II is finally recruited to the DNA, initiating transcription. This review… Read more »