Genetically Engineered Mice Unveil In Vivo Roles of the Mediator Complex

The Mediator complex is a multi-subunit protein complex which plays a significant role in the regulation of eukaryotic gene transcription. It provides a platform for the interaction of transcriptional factors and RNA polymerase II, thus coupling external and internal stimuli with transcriptional programs. Molecular mechanisms underlying Mediator functioning are intensively studied, although most often using simple models such as tumor cell lines and yeast. Transgenic mouse models are required to study the role of Mediator components in physiological processes, disease, and development. As constitutive knockouts of most of the Mediator protein coding genes are embryonically lethal, conditional knockouts and corresponding activator strains are needed for these studies. Recently, they have become more easily available with the development of modern genetic engineering techniques. Here, we review existing mouse models for studying the Mediator, and data obtained in corresponding experiments.

Automated summary

The Mediator complex is a multi-subunit protein complex that regulates eukaryotic gene transcription by facilitating the interaction between transcriptional factors and RNA polymerase II. While most studies focus on simple models like tumor cell lines and yeast, transgenic mouse models are necessary to explore the role of Mediator components in physiological processes, disease, and development. Due to the embryonic lethality of constitutive knockout models, conditional knockout models and corresponding activator strains are required. Recent developments in genetic engineering techniques have made these models more accessible. This review discusses existing mouse models for studying the Mediator and the data obtained from corresponding experiments.