The cyclin-dependent kinase 8 module sterically blocks Mediator interactions with RNA polymerase II

Hans Elmlund, Vera Baraznenok, Martin Lindahl, Camilla O. Samuelsen, Philip J.B. Koeck, Steen Holmberg, Hans Hebert, Claes M. Gustafsson

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Abstract

CDK8 (cyclin-dependent kinase 8), along with CycC, Med12, and Med13, form a repressive module (the Cdk8 module) that prevents RNA polymerase II (pol II) interactions with Mediator. Here, we report that the ability of the Cdk8 module to prevent pol II interactions is independent of the Cdk8-dependent kinase activity. We use electron microscopy and single-particle reconstruction to demonstrate that the Cdk8 module forms a distinct structural entity that binds to the head and middle region of Mediator, thereby sterically blocking interactions with pol II.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15788-15793
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume103
Issue number43
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Oct 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Electron microscopy
  • Protein structure
  • Schizosaccharomyces pombe
  • Transcription
  • Yeast

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